96: Lady of Bones

The void shimmered with an almost imperceptible ripple as Darius stepped into the shared dominion of Morta and Lady Death. His arrival was silent yet absolute, like the presence of a tidal wave that has yet to crash.

The realm, usually stark and serene, suddenly felt alive with his energy. The air itself seemed to hum with a warmth and authority that even the embodiments of death couldn't ignore.

Lady Death froze, her typically composed demeanor fracturing the moment her gaze fell upon him. Her fingers clenched the staff at her side tightly, the flames in its eye sockets flaring wildly as her control wavered.

Her normally commanding presence melted under the sheer weight of Darius' aura.

Morta, however, managed to maintain her composure, though a flicker of surprise crossed her pale features as Darius approached. She instinctively placed a hand over her chest, an unconscious gesture of respect—or perhaps something more personal.

Darius, as effortlessly radiant as ever, smiled warmly at them both. His golden robes shimmered faintly with cosmic energy, the weight of his omnipotence kept in check but undeniably present.

His eyes, those endless pools of blue and gold, glimmered with familiarity and warmth as they settled first on Morta.

Lady Death's inner turmoil was instantaneous and overwhelming. She felt her carefully cultivated apathy crumbling as her emotions roared to life.

Love

Lust

Awe

and Submission churned within her, bubbling up like an unstoppable tide.

Her composure shattered entirely when Darius glanced her way, his expression one of mild curiosity and subtle amusement.

Her mind raced with incoherent thoughts,

'He's here. He's looking at me. How can one being radiate so much beauty, power, and warmth?'

She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. For the first time in millennia, Lady Death—proud, untouchable Lady Death—felt entirely out of her depth.

Morta's voice cut through the tension, calm and measured. "Darius. It's been some time."

Darius' smile widened, and he took a step closer, his movements fluid and graceful. "Far too long, Morta," he replied, his voice like a soothing melody woven with threads of authority. He reached for her hand, lifting it gently to his lips. "How have you been, my dear? And what of our siblings?"

Morta's cheeks flushed faintly, an almost imperceptible reaction, but one that did not escape Lady Death's sharp gaze. Morta offered a soft smile in return.

"They are... as they always are. Dream is lost in his labyrinth, Desire plays their games, and Despair... remains true to her name."

Darius chuckled, the sound reverberating like a low thunderclap. "Some things never change. But what of you, Morta? Are you well?"

"I am," Morta said, her voice steady. "Though I've been busy. Your recent actions in the realm of the Kree have not gone unnoticed."

Darius nodded, his expression turning apologetic as he shifted his gaze between Morta and Lady Death.

"I had intended to reach out before acting," he began, his tone sincere.

"But circumstances demanded immediate judgement. For that, I apologize. It was not my intention to bypass the guardians of death."

Morta inclined her head, accepting his words with grace. "Your judgement is your purpose, Darius. There is no need for apologies. Though the sudden purification of so many souls... it is not something we are accustomed to."

"I understand," Darius replied. He turned his attention to Lady Death, who had yet to recover her composure fully. Her flames flickered erratically, her grip on her staff tightening as though it were the only thing anchoring her.

"And you, Lady Death," Darius said, his voice softening slightly. "Have I caused you undue trouble?"

Lady Death blinked, her molten gaze locking onto his. She tried to speak, but the words came out in a whisper. "Trouble? No... no trouble at all."

Darius tilted his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Good. I'd hate to think I'd upset you."

Clearing the lingering tension with a wave of his hand, Darius took a step back and addressed them both. "With the war against Thanos and Darkseid looming, I wanted to extend an invitation. Come to Earth for a few days. Walk among the living, if only for a moment. It may offer some perspective—or at the very least, a bit of entertainment."

Morta's expression softened, her gaze contemplative. "An intriguing offer," she admitted. "But the Endless rarely leave their realms."

"And yet, you have before," Darius countered, his smile teasing. "I'll leave the choice to you."

Lady Death, still struggling to regain her usual confidence, managed a nod. "Earth, you say? It's been a while since I've graced the mortal plane."

"Then consider it a vacation," Darius said with a wink. "The accommodations are excellent."

Having said his piece, Darius turned his gaze upward, his expression shifting as though hearing a distant call. The light around him intensified briefly before settling into a steady glow.

"I'm afraid duty calls," he said, his tone regretful but resolute. He offered Morta a final smile, inclining his head toward her. "Think about my invitation, Morta. It would be good to see you among the living."

To Lady Death, he offered a small bow, his golden hair catching the faint light of their realm. "Until next time."

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With that, he vanished, his departure as seamless as his arrival. The void returned to its usual stillness, though the lingering warmth of his presence remained.

Darius reappeared in an entirely different realm, one that defied all mortal understanding of space and time.

The domain of the Living Tribunal stretched infinitely in all directions, a cosmic expanse filled with fractal patterns of light and shadow.

At its center loomed the Living Tribunal himself, his three faces representing Equity, Necessity, and Vengeance, each one simultaneously separate and unified.

Darius stood before the entity, unbothered by its overwhelming presence. His golden robes shimmered as he raised his gaze to meet the Tribunal's glowing eyes.

"Tribunal," he greeted, his voice carrying the weight of eternity.

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"We need to talk."

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