---
She saw it anyway.
"It cannot be avoided," she said quietly. "If I could remain longer, I would."
That at least sounded true. He accepted it because there was no point striking at what was already decided.
Stephen said, "Then Elena and I will be the judge."
Mihos nodded. "Agreed."
Sekhmet looked at Elena.
She met his gaze. "I will do it."
That was enough. The structure settled. No one above Chaos Rank Five directly involved.
Stephen and Elena as judges.
Seraphiel absent.
Mihos supports Iron House indirectly.
Sekhmet faced them with whatever he chose to gather below the line.
Then came the matter of time.
"How long do you need for preparation?" Sekhmet asked.
Mihos looked almost cheerful now that the thing had become real.
"Three days."
Stephen gave the answer before he could refine it into some more annoying shape.
"Three days is enough to prepare without letting the whole matter rot into rumor."
