Death left, and Urainia went to find Umbrum. She didn't want to be late for their regular meeting.

When she arrived at the palace, she noticed writing all over it. The various names of the shadow creatures were scratched all over it.

She opened the door herself, and didn't see any shadows around. It was weird to not see any shadows loitering about inside.

She called out. "Hello? Hello? Umbrum? Manx? Uther?"

Manx appeared. "Hi. Uther and most of the shadows are undergoing a punishment for writing all over the walls."

Punishment? Urainia covered her mouth in shock. "What sort of punishment is it?"

Manx chuckled. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

Urainia was unsure if she wanted to stay. If Umbrum was treating his underlings like that, why should she spend time with such a monster? But she'll have to confront him about it, and sooner is better than later.

Manx tapped her shoulder. "Are you going to see him or not?"

"I will. Don't feel like you need to escort me, alright?"

Manx nodded, walking away.

Umbrum was impatiently waiting on the balcony for Urainia to show up, as usual.

"I'm not late, am I?"

Umbrum turned around to see her. "You are, judging by your time system. But I'm just glad you showed up."

"Can I ask what punishment your soldiers are receiving? Don't go into gory details, please."

"Gory? They're all just being held in the basement under induced misery."

Urainia blinked a couple times, confused. "What does 'induced misery' mean?"

Death showed up on the balcony. "It means that they're so miserable and sad they want to die. Umbrum, could you explain why  you thought this was a good idea?"

"They want to die? I didn't think my spell affected them all that much." Umbrum felt stupid for thinking that.

"Maybe you should think before you act. I know, it's a totally new concept to you."

Death's condescending tone got under Umbrum's ghost-pale skin. "I get your point. Go away."

Urainia came to his defense. "Don't you have better things to do than to insult him?"

Umbrum was surprised by this.

"You're right, Star, I'll go and do them." Death left, glaring at Umbrum before they went

Urainia turned to Umbrum. "Does he bother you often?"

"Death actually prefers 'they', but yes, they do bother me. I get that I'm no angel, but I'm sure Death has seen worse than me."

"I'm sure, too."

Umbrum wasn't sure if it was a sneaky compliment or simple statement.

"I'm going to free all of my creatures. Wait here."

Urainia waited patiently for about 10 minutes before Umbrum returned.

"Good, that mess is over. Do you have any questions for me?"

Urainia nodded. "Can I touch your horns?"

WHAT?!

Of all things she could've asked me, she wants to touch my horns. My horns.

Maybe I'm overreacting. There are worse places to touch me.

Umbrum gave her permission. "Just be careful, I accidentally gouged Manx once."

Since Urainia and Umbrum were the same height, touching Umbrum's horns was easy. They were a deep blue, somewhat shiny, and very smooth, like a pebble worn by water.

"Smoother than I expected. Thanks, Umbrum."

Umbrum felt warmer at this complement. "You're welcome."

"Can I see what you look like without your hood?"

That was a step too far for Umbrum.

"No. And if I have a say in it, you never will!"