---
Vera reached for his hand and brought it to her lips, not as a servant, not as a soldier, but as a woman choosing closeness. Vela pressed closer to his other side, her warmth meeting his, her earlier boldness finally giving way to honest need.
The bond between the three of them deepened.
Not violently.
Not like hunger.
Like a door opening inward.
Outside, Dawn House remained awake under the pressure of enemies and tomorrow's danger. But inside the chamber, none of that entered. There was only gold light, quiet breath, and three bodies standing together without armor, without duty, without distance.
Vera looked at him once more, and this time there was no guard left in her eyes.
Vela's hand found his chest, steady now.
Sekhmet drew them both closer.
The last hesitation faded.
And the night moved past words.
The twins looked at him. Then at each other.
