He pointed to several incidents near his domain's boundaries. "These all occurred within hours of scheduled diplomatic meetings. But not just any meetings."
"Which ones?" Brynn asked, though the reluctance in his tone made her stomach sink.
"Lady Seraphina's visits." His expression shifted to something sad, almost grieving. "I didn't want to believe it at first. Seraphina and I have worked together for ages. But when I mapped her travel schedule against the incidents..."
He produced another set of documents: travel records, witness statements, magical resonance readings showing traces of violent death magic at damaged sites.
"This is comprehensive," Brynn said, impressed. After days of chasing cryptic warnings, concrete proof felt like a gift.
"I've always believed in meticulous record-keeping." Caelum's modesty seemed genuine. "When you're responsible for souls' eternal rest, attention to detail becomes essential."
"Why would she target the wards?" Dante's voice carried an edge.
His shadows had spread across the floor, creeping toward the table.
Caelum sighed. "I've given this considerable thought. Seraphina has always been dissatisfied with the current balance. She believes the other courts have grown too soft, too willing to show mercy." He gestured to the realm around them. "She's made comments before about how natural deaths are wasteful. That souls should serve the realm's power rather than finding rest."
The explanation made sense. Brynn remembered Seraphina's aggressive demeanor, the violence radiating from her presence: thedesert fortress, the scarred warriors, the philosophy of strength through conflict.
"Violence has always been her solution," Caelum continued. "I think she may be trying to weaken the ward system so violent deaths become more common, expanding her domain's influence at the expense of courts like mine."
He produced what appeared to be intercepted correspondence. "My sources have reported meetings between Seraphina and unknown parties. Discussions about 'necessary changes' and 'acceptable losses.'"
Dante took the documents, scanning them intently. "These are authentic?"
"I wish they weren't." Caelum shook his head. "I've known Seraphina since the courts were first established. To think she would endanger everything we've built..." His voice carried genuine pain. "But the evidence is undeniable."
Brynn studied the materials spread across the table. After days of dead ends, someone was finally being helpful.
"What do you recommend for next steps?" she asked.
"Confrontation would be dangerous." Caelum's expression turned thoughtful. "Seraphina is powerful, and if she's truly orchestrating this, she'll have contingency plans. I think our best approach is to present this evidence to the other Death Lords, build consensus before taking action."
"Agreed," Dante said, though his tone suggested he agreed with nothing. "Confrontation would be premature."
"Exactly. We need unity when we act." Caelum's expression grew grave. "The stability of the entire death realm depends on maintaining trust between the courts."
Trust.The word landed differently now.
She glanced at Dante without meaning to. His jaw was tight, his whole body radiating tension despite his neutral expression.
She looked away.
"Your abilities really are impressive," Caelum said, turning to her fully. "I've worked with ward magic for my entire existence, but I've never seen anyone read the patterns the way you do. The way youimmediately recognized the significance of the border clusters..." He shook his head in admiration. "Remarkable."
Heat rose to her cheeks. After last night, she'd needed to hear that.
"Thank you," she managed.
His shadows spread further across the floor, pressing against her boots.
She shifted her feet away.
"It must be exhausting work, though," Caelum continued. "All that exposure to damaged magic..." He glanced toward Dante, and something flickered in his eyes. "And working in the more intense courts can't make it easier. The emotional weight of some domains affects everyone differently."
Brynn felt Dante go rigid beside her.
"If you ever want a change of pace," Caelum added easily, "my archives have extensive ward documentation. It might be interesting to compare historical patterns. And..." He paused, his smile turning gentle. "If you ever need somewhere to think, to process everything you've learned recently, my domain is always open to you. Sometimes we all need refuge from darker places."
