Page 28 of Crazy as Hell

Reaching out through their bond, he warned Naomi they would have company soon. “Naomi, Arson Altera and Killian Black just arrived on the island to join us for breakfast.”

“Okay. I’m out of the shower and started writing the journal I told you about. The routine of it is helping me remember a lot of things, so I figured it might help for you to just read it instead of having me recount everything.”

Since they were bonded, he understood the real reason she was taking the time to write everything out. He could have easily sorted through all of her memories, but she was trying to spare him from viewing any more of her previous lives. Knowing she was protecting him just made him adore her even more. He had never had anyone care for him the way she did, and it made love bloom in his chest.

“That was good thinking. Take your time, mate. There is no rush.”

By the time Arson Altera and Killian Black arrived at the house, he was waiting for them on the front terrace, drinking a glass of wine. He was seated at the table situated under an open gazebo with gossamer white curtains fluttering in the breeze.

“How did the raid go?”

“Smoothly, considering we had all of the information we needed beforehand,” Arson confirmed as he took a seat at the table. “Cassian took his cousin home to be reunited with the rest of their family. We let them go since his mother is a talented healer who has experience with this sort of thing. The rest of the captives are being treated and interviewed at The Manor.”

“There were more victims hidden away at their base in the Hell Realm who were being used as slaves. Some of them had been there for years. It’s going to take time for them to recover, but most of them are in good spirits. We came to personally thank your mate for the information she provided.” Killian frowned. “Your mate is a goddess?”

Viktor startled for a moment, then laughed as he picked up the open bottle of wine on the table and poured them both a glass. “I guess you can sense the upgrade?”

Killian nodded as he accepted the glass of wine. “With the amount of power radiating off you, it’s hard not to. She must be very powerful.”

“She is, though I’m not exactly sure how. Her magic is the only thing that doesn’t seem to reset during each new cycle.”

“That’s interesting.” Arson rubbed his chin. “Her situation can’t be easy.”

“It’s not,” Viktor agreed solemnly. “I’ve witnessed some of what she has experienced, and it’s enough to drive someone completely crazy. Instead, she has endured everything with far more grace and dignity than I would have.”

“I actually have no idea what I’m doing most of the time,” Naomi announced as she walked outside.

Viktor immediately stood up and pulled out a chair for her. She smiled at him before taking a seat, then she grinned at the male sitting across the table.

“Hi, Arson.” She did a double-take when she noticed the other male. “You’re Killian Black?”

The reaper nodded. “I am. I’m guessing we’ve met before?”

She hesitated before shaking her head. “Only in passing.”

Viktor felt her panic through their bond. He didn’t understand her reaction, but he immediately reached for her hand to comfort her.

“I did meet him and his mate…briefly. There was a big mystery surrounding how they got together. I only heard rumors about it since I didn’t arrive at The Manor until several months later during that cycle, but I’m worried about saying something that might screw up their timeline,” she explained.

“Don’t worry, love. He won’t press you for information you don’t want to give.” Turning toward his friend, Viktor said, “There are some things you shouldn’t know yet.”

“Ah.”

Naomi relaxed when that was all he said. She sighed in pleasure when Viktor waved a hand and a steaming bowl of her favorite ramen with a variety of toppings and several side dishes appeared in front of her.

“Oh, wow, this is good,” she moaned around a mouthful of noodles. “Exactly what I was craving. Thank you, mate.”

Viktor smoothed a hand down her silky hair. “I’m glad you are enjoying it.”

More food appeared on the table, and the others began eating while they went back to discussing the raid. After several minutes, Arson glanced over at Naomi.

“I heard that you…acquired The Last Judgement.”

Naomi eyed him suspiciously. “And if I did?”

He laughed and held his hands up. “And nothing. I’m not going to fight you for it. It’s good that we can finally cross it off the list of missing items.”

“That wasn’t the only relic I stole from the bastard who had the sword,” she confessed.