---
Vera's lips twitched faintly.
Vela's eyes flicked sideways, watching Bat Bat like she was entertainment.
Sekhmet kept moving.
They passed through a less regulated district and approached the city wall. Here, the air changed.
The smell of trade and food faded. The smell of sweat and iron and cheap alcohol replaced it.
Near the wall, the city's rules were thinner. Guards were fewer. People moved with more caution. Deals happened quietly. Weapons were common. Nobody looked surprised when shadows shifted.
Sekhmet slowed.
"This," he said quietly, "is where most criminals think they are safe."
Bat Bat nodded eagerly.
Vera's gaze sharpened, scanning.
Vela's nostrils flared slightly as if scent mattered more now.
Sekhmet spoke again, voice low.
"We will go outside," he said.
Bat Bat frowned. "Outside?" she repeated.
Sekhmet nodded. "Outside city walls," he said. "If something goes wrong, fewer consequences."
Vera and Vela did not question. They understood.
