Page 109 of Night Fae

"Contain what?"

Leon's finger traced further down the page. "'That which was one, divided across many, seeks ever to reunite.'" He frowned. "Could it be?—"

A commotion outside interrupted them. Heavy footfalls ran through the corridor.

They exchanged a glance and hurried out of the library to find a scout reporting to Caelen nearby.

"I'm quite sure," the scout said to his grim-faced king. "Night Court forces are on the move. Prince Ashelon leads one contingent. Lord Darius and Lady Morvena another."

"Direction?" Caelen demanded.

"All heading toward the Barrier Temple, Your Majesty."

Zev appeared from an adjacent corridor, arms laden with weapons. His expression darkened at the scout's words.

"They'll try to stop Yuri their own way," he said.

"Or take advantage of the chaos," Caelen added.

Malik moved to Zev's side as the scout departed. "How bad is this?"

"Everything the Night Court does is bad."

Caelen nodded, visibly displeased. "We depart at dawn tomorrow. Rest while you can. We'll need our strength."

As the others dispersed to make final preparations, Malik found himself alone with Zev in a quiet alcove off the main corridor.

"You're thinking about them, aren't you?" Malik asked. "Your family?"

Zev's hands continued methodically checking the edge of a blade. "If they're at the temple, I'll finish what I should have done years ago."

Malik placed his hand over Zev's, stilling its motion. "Whatever happens, don't let them win."

Zev's eyes met his, something vulnerable beneath the steel. "I won't. Not again." His voice softened. "I have too much to lose now."

The simple admission made Malik's chest tighten. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Zev's. "You'd better keep that in mind."

"I promise I will."

Malik's heart thumped painfully against his ribcage. A promise from Zev.

Wasn't that all he'd ever wanted?

CHAPTER 23

Ribbons of light danced across the sky above the Shadow Kingdom as night descended. Waves of emerald, violet, and sapphire blue rippled through the darkness, casting a glow over the land below.

Under different circumstances, it might have been beautiful.

But these weren't natural auroras. They were a sign of foreboding. A sign of something going very, very wrong with the world. With all the worlds, in truth.

Throughout the palace, preparations continued for tomorrow's journey to the Barrier Temple, but as midnight approached, even the most dedicated soldiers paused to stare at the haunting spectacle above.

In the royal chambers, Daniel stood at the window, transfixed by the light show that painted the courtyard below in shifting colors. Guards patrolled with enchanted lanterns that cast golden light against the supernatural glow, their faces turned skyward every now and then.

Daniel couldn't blame them. They were all witnessing the beginning of the end.

And somewhere out there was his brother.