---
Sekhmet nodded again. "I know," he admitted.
Bat Bat glared at Sekhmet.
"Master betray Bat Bat," she accused.
Sekhmet stared back. "I saved you from shaming yourself," he corrected.
Bat Bat huffed.
Elena moved forward, dragging Bat Bat gently toward the hallway.
Bat Bat tried to grab the bed frame.
Elena pulled her free with no effort.
Bat Bat made an angry sound.
"Rrr," she growled.
Elena spoke calmly.
"First lesson," Elena said, "you do not growl."
Bat Bat glared.
"Why," she demanded.
Elena answered without mercy.
"Because you are in a house," Elena said. "Not a cave. You aren't a savage."
Bat Bat looked genuinely confused.
"But I like cave," she said.
Elena did not argue.
"That is your second problem," Elena replied.
Sekhmet watched them go. He felt a strange sense of relief, like he had successfully hired someone to handle an impossible job.
Then he turned and walked toward the library.
