He was still here. It was either one hell of a spell gone wrong, or it really [i]was[/i] Death. And judging by the countless articles, it made sense to be the latter. Kaia started inspecting the runes around the cage the instant the greasy man was out of sight, the list would keep him occupied at least a few minutes. Blood magic? What the hell? There's no way someone like him knew this kind of magic! Scanning over them, she realized they're a border meant to contain. Unbreakable from the other side. But from this side? Not too difficult. 

She listened as this "death" spoke, she struggled to wrap her head around the concept of Death having a physical body. Then, the symbols burned im jis skin, they clearly caused pain. Those runes, the glimpse she caught... they have no place amongst mortals. They're older than she's ever seen in use. She's only ever seen pieces in her research on fallen civilizations, never entire runes, and certainly not this many. She glanced to the other room, confused and concerned.

The man stepped forward, sticking a hand through the bars. This made Kaia instinctively step back. What? Give her a piece of Death's magic? This was stupid. [i]She[/i] was stupid for even considering it. Either this was some crazy man or literal Death. Neither of those options seemed good. The image of her stuck in the dream flashed through her mind. "Shit," she gave a heavy sigh and stepped closer again, her voice quiet, "If this kills me, I [i]will[/i] haunt you. Even if you are Death."

Kaia grabbed his hand, her vision immediately black as the man's magic shot through her body. She flooded with feelings of dread and peace, anxiety and acceptance. Inevitability. His magic weaved through her own at a great speed. Such a small amount, so overpowering. It tugged at the corners of her mind, whispered to her soul. Her own tattoos burned in retaliation against this intruder, her body fighting for its balance. Her breath hastened and her eyes fluttered, vision returning, gaze meeting his.

Everything in her now knew without a doubt that this mortal man is Death. 

She scream whispered, "What the fuck?! How'd Death end up in a fucking basement?!" She urgently glanced to the other room, then back again, "You got imprisoned by this second-rate caster? Maybe you belong in that meat suit!" She scolded, filled with disbelief. "Gods, this is a mess..."

The magician spoke from the other room, Kaia stepping back to where she was. She continued before Death could speak again, "I'll get you out as soon as I can. Stay right where you are." She playfully winked, doing her best to steady her shaking hands before the magician returned. 

"I'll have to order these feathers, seems I'm out. Should be about two-" he looked up at her, "You good? You're a little pale."

"Oh, yeah," she awkwardly laughed, "Stressed. And I just realized I haven't eaten yet. I better get home for a meal."

"Of course," he motioned to the stairs, "Let's get you going." The magician glared sceptically at Death as he passed by the cage.

Kaia charged home faster than when she left, Death's magic blending with hers. It felt uncomfortable. Upon returning, she rushed to get precautions in place, attempting to stabilize herself first. Next, she drew up two casting circles. This was an easy thing, something she's been doing since she can remember. One circle was for her, to keep her safe, controlled, balanced. The second to contain the casting. To keep it from lashing out and destroying. She had no idea what would happen if she released even the smallest piece of this magic, but she felt compelled. It had to happen. Kaia took in her place and focused. She released some of Death's magic towards the other circle, too afraid to throw out everything at once.

Balance had to be returned.