Page 259 of Dark Haven Omegaverse

He dropped to his knees in front of Layne, but he could do little more than hold her in his arms as blood and life drained from her body.

Loki’s request no longer seemed so crazy, because I had even more motivation to work on saving souls.

If I could save her, save Crew, then I would try it. I’d do anything for her. She deserved so much better than the hand she was dealt.

“Take them back to Helheim!” I yelled. Kol picked up Crew as he and Stravos ran for the portal.

I just hoped I wasn’t too late to save them.

Harlow

The Castle

My leg bounced with nervous energy as I sat between the two beds. I’d already kicked everyone else out of the room, ready to take the heat for my decisions when they awoke.

The fact I got Stravos out was an accomplishment on its own. If not for my role here in Helheim, I doubted I would have succeeded.

Crew stirred and I sat up straighter, staring him down and willing his eyes to open.

He’d died long before Layne, and I was terrified I wasn’t fast enough. Bringing him here had been a risk. There was a chance the corruption could cause damage to the realm or kill him completely.

This was also my first and only attempt reconnecting souls to bodies and creating wraiths. Helheim’s power accepted them, and that at least helped me hold onto hope. It was as if the realm recognized what happened and knew he shouldn’t be punished for it.

I was so distracted that I didn’t notice his eyes blinking open until I heard him speak.

“Layne?” Crew’s voice was rough as he struggled to sit up. I remembered waking up in the mists, confused, disoriented, and naked. At least I’d conjured them clothes and a bed.

“She’s still healing,” I said gently. His gaze found mine and from the look of horror and concern, he remembered everything that had happened the last few months... weeks, whatever it was.

The time change was impossible to figure out.

“Harlow . . .”

“Listen. I don’t doubt that your mind was corrupted, Crew. It’s not really me you need to apologize to, it’ll be her. You left, caused chaos, and a battle that led to her murder,” I pointed out. It was harsh, but this wasn’t the time to beat around the bush. “You have all of about three minutes to make your decision. Do you plan to figure this out and stay with her, or do you want to leave before she wakes up? You’re not a human anymore, Crew. Your compulsions are gone. I know how you felt about demons and Helheim, but now you’re a part of it.”

“You brought me here? You did this?” His eyes were full of shock and fury. Even now he was clinging to a pain that no longer mattered.

The realm came to my aid, snapping out at him until he was forced to step back. I stood at the threat, my body growing in a show of power. It fed through the soles of my feet and flowed through me, rising in intensity until I felt more like Helheim than myself.

My face didn’t falter as I stared him down, not saying a single word until he’d sat in his chair and calmed down.

When he’d visibly chilled out, I let the power recede until I was normal again.

“What the fuck am I?” His eyes were still wide but at least he wasn’t acting on raw anger anymore. That was one thing he better lose like he lost his humanity.

“You’re a wraith. Not quite human, but immortal. You won’t have powers that I or my men do, but you’re being given a second chance,” I said, waiting for that to process before dropping an icy dose of fear. “And if you don’t handle it well or wish to leave, I’ll exile you. You’ll likely die as a human on Earth in the mess Hel made. If you do, your soul will be forfeit, there will be no afterlife.”

“Can I ever go back?” he whispered. “To Earth. Without losing my soul?”

“I don’t think so,” I answered honestly. They’d been infused with extra power to rejoin their soul with their bodies, but nothing more. Helheim wasn’t willing to give it and I respected that. “I’ve never seen a wraith go through that didn’t have extra power. I can’t guarantee you’d survive.”

He turned his head and stared at Layne. It was a lot to process but I doubted he had much time to do so. Emotions were warring across his face and I didn’t envy the shitshow he had to sort out. I’d had to do the same thing on my own. I woke up alone and without someone to answer my questions.

“She died there?” he asked, looking back at me.

“Right after you did,” I confirmed. “We thought we got all of the demons when your leaders attacked, but apparently one was hiding in the ashes and rubble. She walked in, saw you, screamed in pain, and drew his attention. He slaughtered her without a second thought. Stravos tore his head off for his crimes and we brought you both here.”

“Why did you bring me here with her?”

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