Despite her desire to escape this pain, Eness has not given her enough, quickly placing herself as a block-aid. Sakhmet knew she could push aside the dark mare, or dash past her before she could step in the way, but every option would result in physical touch. Even with her lashing tongue, Sakhmet wouldn’t dare touch her beloved in such a way. Instead, she stood like a statue, unmoving in face and body as Eness spoke.. At the end, she finally let out a harsh snort.


“Do you truly listen to yourself, Eness?” she asked. “They are different, I will admit to that, but not so different as you claim. Binding yourself by oath has removed any other options, any other choices, besides to be at his side for the rest of this earthly existence and beyond. How am I to stand to the side and watch as you love him? How am I to stand to the side as you bare his children, and give your life to them, while I am no different than the sands that surround us? He had taken my spot the moment he laid eyes upon you, as you did him. I was the fool to even bother coming when it is clear you have your life all sorted out so quickly.”


Though Sakhmet said her words with strength, her legs trembled beneath her as if she could barely handle the weight of the truth she spoke. It was still too fresh, her steely resolve not yet hardened into place. The grey mare grasped at it with failing fingers, trying to keep it in place, but it was quickly slipping. “I’ve never deserved the love you offer, Eness, nor was it ever meant to be given in the way I wish to seek it. You have found where you truly belong, so you must let this go, and enjoy the life you do deserve. There is no need for explanation to me, or any sort of blessing or price. This is your life, not mine. I told you where I will be, so there is nothing that you have lost.”


By the time Sakhmet had finished speaking, her words had turned from harsh to nearly a soft whisper. She had not realized she had silently began to cry, until the tears started to cool the skin along her cheeks where they had darkened the color of her face. Every part of her was breaking, but she remained standing, raising her chin slightly in defiance.