Page 132 of Night Fae

Malik felt a sudden clarity. The past week had given him time to think, to consider what came after survival. "I need to go back, at least for a while," he said. "I have resources that could help people. It's time I used them."

Caelen studied him with those unnervingly green eyes. "And you, Zev? Will you return to Earth as well?"

"I go where Malik goes," Zev replied simply.

Next to Caelen, Daniel smiled at Malik. "Just keep him away from your appliances."

Zev's gaze narrowed. "Malik's appliances have nothing to fear from me."

Malik turned to him. "You nearly stabbed my microwave before we came here."

"It made threatening noises."

"It was heating soup."

A ripple of laughter broke the tension in the room.

"I've survived the Night Court," Zev said with dignity. "I can survive beeping boxes that heat soup."

The discussion turned to practical matters—when they would travel, what supplies they would need, how they would maintain contact between worlds. Leon offered to escort each group through the shadow paths when they were ready.

As the meeting concluded, Caelen called for wine to be brought. "A toast," he declared once each goblet was filled. "To new beginnings across two worlds."

They drank, and Malik started to relax, but as conversations broke into smaller groups, Caelen approached him. Zev tensed beside Malik, wary.

"A word?" Caelen requested.

Malik did not really want to talk to Caelen, but he was intrigued. What could the Shadow King possibly want from him now?

He followed Caelen to a quieter corner of the chamber, the comforting weight of Zev's gaze on his back.

"Daniel tells me I owe you an apology," Caelen said without preamble.

"And what do you think?" Malik kept his voice neutral.

"I acknowledge that I've done some awful things to you."

"You were possessed."

"True," Caelen agreed. "But that doesn't mean I was never in control of my actions…or a willing participant in the crimes I committed." He studied Malik with unexpected frankness. "I can't pretend I am innocent, and I won't. For the personal harm done to you, for taking your home and betraying your confidence—I am sorry."

Never having expected an apology, Malik wasn't sure how to process what he was hearing. "Are you going to say sorry to everyone else too?" He glanced toward Knox and Adrian on the other side of the room.

"Don't push it." With that, Caelen left Malik to return to his mate.

When Malik rejoined Zev, the fae raised an eyebrow in silent question.

"He actually apologized to me," Malik explained.

"Did you accept?"

Malik shrugged. "He walked away before I could decide."

Zev's mouth quirked. "Guess none of us can become someone completely different."

"Different enough. For now." Malik picked up his wine glass and took a sip, considering the transformation he himself had gone through. "So. Earth," he said to Zev, "with all its beeping contraptions and confusing customs. Still sure you want to come?"

"I've managed living in your world before."