---
"Now is not the time," she said.
The captain accepted it with a stiff nod, the way a soldier accepts an order that tastes bitter.
His gaze flicked to Bat Bat.
"And that," he said, tone cautious, "is that your pet."
Bat Bat straightened like he had been insulted by existence itself.
"Pet," it repeated, offended.
Sekhmet answered before Bat Bat declared war on the city.
"It is my summon," Sekhmet said.
Bat Bat nodded proudly.
"Summon," it repeated, then added, "Not a pet. Pet is… small dignity."
The captain stared.
The guard beside him coughed to hide a laugh.
The captain cleared his throat.
"Enter," he said, waving them through.
The gate swallowed them.
And the moment Sekhmet passed under the arch, the city swallowed him too.
Noise hit first.
The city was alive in layers.
Markets shouting.
Beasts snorting.
Carts rattling.
Vendors arguing.
Guards barking orders.
Children running.
