Page 131 of Night Fae

Zev studied him with that penetrating gaze that always made Malik feel as though his thoughts were being carefully cataloged. "What would you do with it?"

Before Malik could answer, a servant appeared at the doorway with a stiff bow.

"The Shadow King requests your presence in the council chamber. Both of you."

Malik exchanged a glance with Zev. Another meeting. They'd attended three already this week, each filled with discussions of border realignments, shadow path regulations, and diplomatic arrangements that meant little to either of them.

"Tell King Caelen we'll be there shortly," Zev replied, dismissing the servant with a curt nod.

The servant retreated quickly.

"You still make them nervous," Malik observed.

"Good." Zev's mouth quirked.

Together they walked through the palace corridors.

"You never answered my question," Zev reminded him as they approached the council chambers. "What would you do with your fortune on Earth?"

"Something useful," Malik replied. "I have more money than I could spend in a lifetime." He hesitated. "Maybe it's time it helped people instead of sitting in accounts gathering interest."

Zev's hand brushed against his, a brief touch. "Then perhaps we should discuss returning."

The massive doors to the council chamber stood open. Inside, voices already rose in discussion. Caelen sat at the head of the long stone table, Daniel beside him. Knox and Adrian occupied seats to his right, while Leon and Lyrian sat to his left. Maps and scrolls covered the table's surface.

Malik hesitated at the threshold, his eyes meeting Caelen's across the room.

Thoughts of his home reminded Malik of the time Caelen had taken over it.

The shadow king's brows lifted slightly as if sensing Malik's animosity.

Zev's hand pressed against the small of Malik's back, grounding him. They entered together, taking the remaining seats.

"Good. We're all here," Caelen began. "Leon has news about the shadow paths."

Leon nodded. "The stabilization is progressing faster than expected. The paths are no longer attempting to devour emotional energy from travelers. I've been able to establish consistent connections between five fixed points on Earth and their corresponding locations in Veridia."

"What does that mean for us?" Adrian asked.

"It means controlled travel between worlds is now possible." Leon slid a parchment across the table. "I've mapped the safe routes. With proper guidance, anyone can move between Earth and Veridia without the dangers we faced before."

The implications settled over the room.

"So we can go home," Adrian said quietly.

Knox's hand covered his. "Or stay. Or both."

"That's why I called this meeting," Caelen interjected. "We need to decide what happens next. Not just for Veridia and Earth, but for all of you."

Daniel leaned forward. "I'm staying here," he stated firmly. "With Caelen."

No one seemed surprised by this.

"Knox and I have discussed returning to Earth," Adrian said. "My grandmother needs me, and Knox is willing to try living there again."

"The barriers would allow us to visit Veridia when needed," Knox added.

All eyes turned to Malik and Zev.