---
"I will show you my most valuable item," she said. "The price is fixed. You cannot bargain."
Sekhmet's heartbeat slowed.
"Show me," he said.
The witch stood.
Her bones cracked softly as she straightened.
Crick… crick…
She moved from behind the counter and walked toward a curtain at the back of the shop, one Sekhmet hadn't noticed before. It was darker than the entrance curtain, almost black, stitched with thin silver runes.
She pushed it aside and disappeared behind it.
Shhhk…
Silence returned.
Bat Bat whispered, "We run?"
Sekhmet shook his head.
"No," he murmured. "We watch."
Bat Bat's eyes darted around nervously.
"Witch dangerous," it whispered again.
Sekhmet's gaze stayed on the back curtain.
He waited.
Minutes passed.
The shop felt heavier without her presence, as if her energy was still pressing on the air.
Bat Bat fidgeted on his shoulder like a child waiting for food.
Then the curtain moved again.
Shhhk…
The witch emerged holding a jar.
