Shu's whispering beckon sent a shudder down Hotep, excited by the realization that Phoenix's work had borne fruit. Only for his heart to sink like the rune itself, on realizing their task. Ears flattening, he grimaced at it flickering and distorted beneath the waves.

Before he could ask what their plan ought to be, the stoked embers of his companion's form streaked past, a last tinge of red fading in the gathered dusk. He was struck with sudden anxiety that she would be extinguished!

W-wait! He called, sidestepping the surf as she surged deeper. Shouldn't we— Hotep cut off, doubting she could hear him over the splashing and roll of surf.

Sesh was not given to vulgarity. But after a few heartbeats longer of staring after her, he muttered a jittery, Nek! (Fuck!), and followed his priestess into deeper, dangerous waters.