“You come to worship?” Ashur says, when the pale (familiar) stranger enters her temple and looks at her with gold (snake’s) eyes.

“Never,” the stranger says, smirking. “Always.” The eyes shine with cold amusement, and Ashur inhales sharply as she recognizes them.

“My lady-lord,” Ashur says. “You are always welcome here.” She steps forward, letting her tunic fall.