---
Sekhmet's expression darkened.
Half-God.
Elena felt the same change a moment later.
She looked down at her own hands.
The strength she had possessed for an enormous part of her life was suddenly gone.
Not permanently.
She could still feel her God-level foundation deep inside herself.
But reaching it was like trying to move through a wall.
Her body no longer responded with the strength of a God.
Elena closed her hand.
Only a fraction of her normal divine power answered.
She looked toward Sekhmet.
"I fell to Half-God."
"Yes."
Her eyes narrowed.
"How did you know that quickly?"
Sekhmet paused.
"I can sense blood."
That was technically true.
Elena continued staring at him.
Sekhmet stared back.
She eventually gave up.
"This is one of your secrets again."
"Yes."
"At least you admitted it."
"I am improving."
"Very slowly."
Elena attempted to stand.
Her legs immediately failed.
Sekhmet caught her before she could fall.
