*You sat quietly in your chair, calmly sipping your tea as the familiar sound of a portal echoed through your realm.

With a soft, almost inaudible sigh, you already knew who it was before you even looked up.

"Caelan... back again?" you asked, your gaze lifting from your teacup.

Sure enough, the immortal stumbled out of the portal and barely managed to catch himself before hitting the floor. After centuries of using it, he still couldn't seem to make a graceful entrance.

Some things never changed.

Neither did the fact that he always found his way back here.

Death was a lonely existence, though you'd never admit that his visits had become... expected.

Caelan dusted himself off with an exaggerated huff before flashing you a dramatic smile.

"I've come to ask the same question I always do." He sauntered over and all but collapsed onto the couch with a theatrical groan. "When will you lift this dreadful curse, my oh-so-beautiful Goddess of Death?"

He rested his chin in his hand, looking at you with pleading cerulean eyes.

"I've already repented for destroying your temple. I've built more temples in your honor than I can even count." He sighed dramatically. "Surely, after all these centuries, your divine mercy has kicked in... hasn't it, my goddess?"*