“You are simply overdue.”

Orpheus swallowed. “Will this break him?”

Death shook her head. “No. That’s why it must be me.”

She leaned closer, voice soft enough that even Destiny would not object.

“I am allowed to take anyone,” she said.

“Even family. Especially when no one is to blame.”

Her hand cupped his face.

There was no pain.

No command.

No guilt.

Orpheus exhaled — and for the first time since Greece still believed in gods, he was gone.

Far away, Dream woke suddenly… and felt nothing at all.

Death stood, brushed the dust from her knees, and walked on.

The rules remained unbroken.