---
"First," he said, "you will go to the Dawn auction house and observe. Do not reveal your nature. Cover your wings. I want to know the current condition of the business. Who is managing daily operations. Who is loyal. Who is stealing."
Auri nodded once.
"Yes, master," she said.
Lily raised an eyebrow.
"You are sending her alone," Lily asked.
Sekhmet nodded.
"She can handle it," he replied.
Auri's voice remained calm.
"I will complete the task," she promised.
Sekhmet continued.
"Second," he said, "I want you to learn the city's current rumors. Quietly. No fighting. No attention."
Auri nodded again.
"Yes," she said.
The servant girls stared.
One of them whispered, "She sounds like a sword."
Sekhmet glanced at Elena.
"Elena," he said.
Elena answered immediately.
"Yes," she replied.
"Prepare Auri simple clothing suitable for a clerk or assistant," Sekhmet ordered. "Nothing flashy."
Elena's gaze flicked over Auri's wings.
"I will," she said.
