---
That silenced them again. Because yes. It was honest.
Vera undid the first clasp.
Then the second.
Vela's robe loosened at her shoulders but did not fall yet. She held it there with one hand, suddenly shy in a way that looked strange on someone who had killed men without blinking.
Sekhmet saw that too. He reached out, caught her hand, and kissed the inside of her wrist.
Vela froze.
Vera watched, her expression softening into something almost tender.
"You do not need to hide from me," Sekhmet said.
Vela looked at him with eyes too bright for arrogance. "I know."
But knowing and feeling were not always the same.
Vera stepped close to her sister then, shoulder touching shoulder. She reached up and gently drew Vela's hand away from the robe edge.
Not exposing. But Supporting.
Vela looked at her.
Vera said quietly, "Together."
That word changed the night for both of them.
Together. Not competing. Not waiting. Not one chosen and the other left behind.
Together.
