Page 511 of Axis of Fire

As though I were the strange one for questioning why people were dancing at a funeral.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "It's a funeral."

I frowned.

Realization flashed across her face.

"Wait... don't they guide souls into the Realm of Death differently in Vuduarus?"

"They do," I replied. "We mourn. We honor the dead with silence."

I looked around at the laughing faces surrounding us.

"And here... death is a celebration?"

"This is our way of sending a soul on its journey," Stacia said gently.

Then, pulling me out of the whirling circle of dancers, she led me toward the banquet tables.

"As far as I know, this ritual exists in all twelve worlds. Even in Vuduarus." She glanced at me and offered a gentle smile. "Though apparently not everywhere."

"According to tradition, people shouldn't cry endlessly, sink into despair, or cling to grief. Every tear becomes an anchor, keeping the soul trapped between the world where it died and the Realm of Death."

There was logic in that.

And yet...

The entire ceremony still felt utterly surreal to me.

"In some cities," Stacia continued, "people even make love, form soul bonds, or get engaged during the funeral."

My eyes widened.

Stacia burst into laughter.

"You should see your face right now."

"I'm sorry," I said, still staring at her in disbelief, "but that's genuinely insane."

"It symbolizes life triumphing over death." Her smile softened. "We refuse to let death have the final victory."

I fell silent.

Turning her words over in my mind.

It amazed me how differently we viewed the same thing.

Their traditions made sense.

Yet at the same time...

they felt strangely heartless.

The dancing only grew faster.

That was when I finally noticed the twelve figures standing around Seris's body.

Each wore a crimson robe.