Book Five: Chapter 70

“Um, Mistress Bethany.” Death’s voice was low, hesitant, and his skeletal fingers tapped lightly on her shoulder, a movement almost timid in contrast to his usual imposing presence. “I would be happy to verify the identity of—”

Beth clamped her hand across his mouth without a second thought. The sudden contact caused her entire arm to go numb from the cold press of bone and teeth. Death froze, his jaw opening slightly beneath her palm, and his eyes—dark voids where nothing should be—blinked in surprise.

“I don’t like that title,” she said firmly, letting her gaze travel upward to Mehkhkahrel, who was standing just a few paces away, wings half-extended and eyes studying her with intense scrutiny. “As your legal counsel, I recommend that you speak only when I grant you permission.”

Death mumbled something unintelligible, but she could see the slight nod of acqu