---

The return felt faster than the initial journey, in part due to Aiesha being so excited and distracted as she hiked with Osiris. It felt as though she had truly found a lifelong calling, a purpose for herself—and she was utterly smitten with the likes of Tianlong, as jarring as their introduction to it had been—or how sore her body was after waking from the previous night's nightmare of a chained wolf.

I cannot wait to share what we have learned! She practically sang, beaming from ear to ear. All she wanted to do was find Legend and tell her all about the journey; Senmut and boast about her adventure; maybe even consult with Merneith directly!

The looming presence of Satriya drew across them in the form of an imperious shadow, and Aiesha hurried along—unaware of how quiet the outskirts were, or the tension in the air within the halls as the pair ducked inside the palace. Her pace lagged when her minor injuries got to be too much, and not even her heightened mood helped her to ignore herself.

Thank you for journeying with me— she said, commending the lion.