Bastet's tail gave a slow, thoughtful sweep across the stone.
"On the matter of 'how long this will last,'" she said, "I believe I should note that I do not think it will take months. A day or two at most, in my estimation."
Aria's head turned toward her, genuinely curious.
"Are you saying that based on fact, or feeling?"
"Feeling."
Bastet's ears twitched, and the slyest grin yet pulled at her mouth.
"But you should not underestimate the intuition of a genius felinid queen such as I."
Alice finally released Alexandra after one more tight squeeze, and Alexandra stepped back, smoothing her dark demonic maid attire with hands that were still a little shaky from the hauling.
Then she turned to Kaiden.
She crossed the short distance between them.
And stepped into his chest.
Her arms wound around his waist, her cheek pressed to the center of his torso, and she stayed there. Quiet and unhurried.
"Thank you, Kai."
Her voice was muffled against him.
"For respecting my resolve."
