Page 30 of Crazy as Hell

The Tree of Life grew on a small island in the center of a perfectly still lake. It was surrounded by an ethereal glow, and its soft radiance created a dreamlike haze around the entire island. The tree itself was enormous. It was a towering marvel with an expansive canopy of branches and a massive trunk that shimmered in shades of bronze and gold.

The leaves were a rich, vibrant green, each one carrying a faint silvery gleam that made them appear almost metallic in the starlight. Small pear-shaped fruit hung from the branches. The pink fruit dangled like beautiful teardrops amongst the shimmering leaves. Even the simple idea of taking fruit from the sacred tree felt downright sinful.

The tree radiated a quiet, ancient energy that seemed to fill every corner of the cavern. Its presence was soothing in a way she couldn’t possibly begin to describe, as though merely standing in the cavern allowed the tension within her to slowly unravel and drain right out of her.

Flowers in every imaginable color covered most of the island, spreading outward from the base of the tree like a vibrant sea. The air inside the cavern was thick with the rich scent of damp soil, fragrant blooms, and pure, ancient magic.

Thick vines hung from the ceiling in long curtains of vibrant green. They swayed gently whenever a faint breeze moved through the cavern, creating the strange illusion that the cave itself was alive. That impression only grew stronger when she noticed the dark stone walls pulsing with light. The walls were covered in symbols etched deep into the rock. Those ancient runes glowed softly, pulsing with light as though they were watching, waiting.

Ready to react the instant someone made the wrong move.

Naomi’s attention shifted toward the lake surrounding the island. The water was so still that it looked like it was made out of glass. It shimmered beneath the starlight, the smooth surface glossy and perfect. Anyone standing nearby would be tempted to peer into its dark depths.

As if sensing her desire for a closer look, Viktor took her hand in his and led her toward the edge of the lake.

“The air feels heavy in here,” he said. “But it doesn’t feel threatening or dangerous.”

“I’ve died in less threatening places,” she reminded dryly.

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “It is going to be my full-time job keeping you safe. Luckily, I’m up for the task since I never plan on leaving your side.”

She shot him a side-eyed look. “I draw the line at going to the bathroom together.”

That surprised a laugh out of him. “Your mind is a wondrous thing.”

Arson groaned. “Can you two stop flirting long enough to—”

“Quiet,” Viktor ordered softly. “Someone is here.”

He pointed toward the far corner of the cavern where two small tents had been erected. One was dark silver, while the other was dark blue. Loud voices suddenly rang out, echoing through the silence.

“Are you awake? I’m hungry. It’s your turn to cook.”

“Leave me alone. Just use your magic.”

“But barbecue tastes better when it’s made over real coals.”

“Then, you do it. It’s my turn to beg the tree again.”

Two males exited the tents, yawning and stretching as if they had just woken up. One had black hair and glowing gold eyes, while the other had shimmering bronze hair and glowing green eyes. They were both dressed in dark flowing robes, and as soon as they saw each other, they immediately started bickering about what they were going to eat.

“I know the dark-haired reaper,” Killian said. “That is Emrys, a short-tempered hermit who rarely ventures out. I haven’t seen him in ages. I wonder what he is doing here.”

A few seconds later, the two males realized they had an audience. The male with glowing green eyes let out a shout of joy and started running toward them.

“Daughter! I thought you were dead! How are you here? I’m so happy to see you!”

It took several seconds of stunned silence for Naomi to process what the male was shouting. When she finally realized what he was saying, she physically recoiled so fast, she almost fell on her ass. Viktor wrapped an arm around her, holding her up.

“Hold up a fucking minute,” she sputtered. “What did you call me? And how the hell did you know I died?”

The male paused a few feet away from them and smiled sheepishly as he rubbed at the back of his neck. “About that…what happened to you is kind of, sort of, might have been a little bit of my fault.”

The other male stopped beside him and snorted. “A little bit?”

“Who in hellfire are you?” Viktor growled.

“I’m sorry. Let me introduce myself. My name is Zeno, the God of Mishaps, and I am Naomi’s father.”