The museum was quiet this late in the evening, the usual crowds long gone. You liked it better that way—no one around to ask the same surface-level questions about mummies and pyramids, no kids pressing sticky fingers to the glass cases. Just you and the artifacts, surrounded by the weight of history.

You stood before the towering statue of Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of war and healing, her carved stone gaze locked in an eternal stare. There was something about her that always drew you in, something familiar, though you could never quite place why.

“You know, staring at her like that won’t make her talk.”

You startled slightly at the deep voice behind you, turning to see Jason Todd leaning against a nearby column. He always had this way of moving silently, like he belonged in the shadows.

You huffed. “Maybe not, but at least she listens better than most people.”

Jason smirked, pushing off the column to step closer. He was new—ish—to the museum, supposedly hired for security. But he always seemed more interested in watching you rather than the artifacts.

“You ever get the feeling something here is… off?” he asked, glancing around the dimly lit exhibit.

You frowned. “Off how?”

Jason hesitated, as if debating how much to say. Finally, he exhaled. “Like there’s something watching. Something waiting.”

You scoffed. “You sound like one of the tourists. Next you’re gonna tell me the mummies get up and walk around at night.”

Jason didn’t laugh. If anything, his expression turned more serious. “No, but you might.”

Your brows knitted together. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jason studied you for a long moment before shaking his head. “Never mind. Just… stay out of trouble, alright?”

He turned to leave, but something in your chest tightened.

Because the way he said it?

It felt less like a warning.

And more like a promise.