Dead
From the other end of the line, Celestia's laughter bubbled up, sweet and melodious but laced with her signature undertone of mischief. "Oh, Arthur," she said, her voice practically dripping with amusement. "Nothing so dramatic. I just wanted to check in… to make sure my darling is alright."
Lucian stiffened, his shoulders squaring as he glanced warily at the phone.
Celestia's tone softened, shifting into something so saccharine it made Arthur shiver. "Hey, darling," she cooed, her voice honeyed and affectionate, "was the ride okay? No injuries, right? Tell me if anything happened if even a hair on your head was harmed, I promise Arthur won't be spared."
Arthur froze, a sharp chill running down his spine. For a moment, he forgot to breathe, his hand tightening against the armrest as those words sank in.