"None."
"Pity." Seraphina's gaze shifted to Brynn. "Your tribute appears remarkably intact for someone caught in The Reaper's fury."
"Shadow-barriers," he said flatly. "Standard protocol."
"How fortunate." Vex stepped closer, gaze fixed on Brynn. "Most mortals don't survive proximity to uncontrolled death magic. She must be remarkably resilient."
Dante went very still. Vex was fishing.
"Strange that assassins would target your domain specifically," Seraphina continued. "What could they want here that other courts lack?"
"Ward archives. The most comprehensive research in the death realm."
"Research." Seraphina's smile turned sharp. "How scholarly."
Her disbelief was apparent, as was Vex's.
"Well," Vex said finally, "crisis resolved. But perhaps restraint might serve better in the future. Such displays attract attention from those who prefer the status quo."
"Noted," Dante replied.
"Excellent." Vex's form began dissolving. "It would be unfortunate if these incidents became regular."
Once they left, silence filled the ruined corridor. Dante waited, extending his senses to ensure they were truly gone.
Then he turned to face her.
She'd moved closer now that they were alone.
"They don't believe you," she said quietly.
"They suspect something. Just not what."
"Yet."
She was right. Eventually, someone would wonder why The Reaper had lost himself so completely protecting a mortal tribute.
"This makes you dangerous," he said. "The first mortal to touch me and live. The moment they know, they'll want to claim you or eliminate you."
Her chin lifted. "What if I don't give them the chance?"
"They'll take it anyway."
"So we hide it."
"We hide it," he agreed.
But they both knew some secrets were too big to contain.
"We should get some rest," he said finally.
She nodded, but neither of them moved.
XLIX.
DANTE
The wreckage surrounded them. Broken glass, scorch marks, the smell of spent death magic. His guards had been dismissed. The other Death Lords had retreated.
