---
"You will come again," she said.
Sekhmet's eyes stayed steady.
"Yes," he replied.
Lily narrowed her eyes.
"That was too easy," she said.
Sekhmet adjusted the last bag on his arm and looked at her.
"I promised," he said. "I do not enjoy breaking promises."
Lily's cheeks warmed slightly.
Then she leaned in, quick and bold, and kissed him on the cheek like she was stamping a contract on his skin.
She pulled back immediately and lifted her chin.
"Good," she said. "Now go home. Do not die."
Sekhmet's lips twitched faintly.
"I will try," he replied.
Lily walked backward for a few steps, watching him as if she were making sure he would not vanish.
Then she turned toward the city lord's gates.
She did not look back again, because Lily did not like showing weakness in public.
Sekhmet watched until she disappeared inside.
Only then did he exhale.
