Life and Death

When Sett saw Zarah again, she blinked at him, tilting her head. "Big Bro, you seem different."

"Better different?" He flexed an arm, grinning faintly.

Her eyes lingered on his face, which seemed to glow with an unfamiliar warmth. She nodded. "You look… comfortable. Less tense than before."

Sett took her hand with a quiet smile, leading her back into the city's clamor. They still hadn't found Zainah, after all.

"I want Chufa Cakes!" Zarah declared, tugging at his grip.

"Reconciliation Buns?" he teased.

"Nah, that stuff's too sweet, even for me."

He snorted. "No ridiculous cakes for you, then."

Zarah stuck out her tongue. "I don't need you to buy them. I'm a rich lady now—tomb raiding's gonna make me a fortune. Just you wait."

"Oh, is that how it is?" Sett let go of her hand, stepping ahead with mock indignation. "Once my use is up, you toss me aside. Typical."

Her giggle trailed after him, bright and unrepentant.