---
Lily watched him quietly for a while, then spoke again, voice softer.
"When I saw you in the fight," she admitted, "I thought I was hallucinating."
Sekhmet's eyes narrowed.
"You did not hesitate," he said. "You recognized me and kept fighting."
Lily nodded.
"I recognized you," she said. "But you looked… different. Taller. Harder. Like your shadow became part of you."
Sekhmet's throat tightened slightly.
He did not like that description.
It felt too close to the truth he refused to say out loud.
Lily continued, "I almost called your name, but you shook your head."
Sekhmet nodded.
"We were in danger," he said. "Talking would have gotten someone killed."
Lily's gaze held his, steady.
"And after the danger," she said, "you still did not explain anything."
Sekhmet's jaw tightened again.
"I do not owe explanations," he said carefully.
Lily nodded slowly, accepting.
"I know," she said. "And I am not asking for everything. Not tonight."
