---
"She is small," Bat Bat said. "Bat Bat small. Bat Bat needs a friend. Elena is big and scary. The master is big and doesn't play with Bat Bat. Spirit is small. Spirit can play with me."
Vera's eyes flicked to Bat Bat.
Vela's eyes flicked to the spirit.
Then to Sekhmet. Neither twin spoke, but Sekhmet could read it.
They were not opposed. They were watching what kind of master he would be.
A master who kept trophies. Or a master who protected things that could not protect themselves.
Sekhmet exhaled slowly. He did not want extra burdens. But the system note was clear.
Rare potential.
And Bat Bat… Bat Bat would not stop complaining for three years if he said no.
Sekhmet looked down at Bat Bat.
"If I keep it," he said calmly, "you are responsible for it."
Bat Bat's eyes widened with joy.
"Yes," Bat Bat said instantly. "Bat Bat is responsible."
Sekhmet narrowed his eyes.
