---
Sekhmet's gaze remained on the contract ledger counter, where clerks sorted stacks of documents with the same indifference as butchers arranging meat cuts. This place did not pretend to be kind. It pretended to be fair, which in Null was often more terrifying.
He did not like rushing. He did not like buying lives like objects.
But he also did not like pretending the world was better than it was.
He finally spoke, voice low enough that only the clerk and Auri could hear clearly.
"I want to talk to the candidates," he said.
The clerk's expression brightened instantly. Business. Clear business. Not a vague observation.
"Which candidates, sir," the clerk asked, hands already itching to turn thoughts into fees.
Sekhmet kept his face neutral.
"Mira," he said first. "And the twins. Vera and Vela."
