Page 133 of Night Fae

"Barely. I don't think you were happy."

"I've grown since then." Zev's eyes softened slightly. "Besides, your purpose there matters to you. That makes it worth enduring Earth's peculiarities."

Something warm unfurled in Malik's chest. They'd come so far from the Night Court cell where they'd first met in this world—Zev cold and distant, Malik captive and afraid. Now they stood as equals, bound by choice rather than circumstance.

"I was thinking about starting a foundation," Malik said. "For kids who lost their families." His voice grew quieter. "Everyone deserves a supportive community."

Zev's hand found his, squeezing gently. "A worthy purpose."

"It'll mean meetings. Paperwork. Public appearances."

"Sounds terrible."

"And what will you do while I'm busy?"

"I'll find ways to occupy myself." Zev's expression grew thoughtful. "Even in your world there should be use for someone with my skills."

Malik raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"

"Not unless you're running an underground crime syndicate I don't know about."

Those words did nothing to convince Malik that he didn't need to worry, but the quirk of Zev's lips did.

After a while, they joined the others as preparations were discussed for their respective journeys. Leon would take Knox and Adrian through the shadow paths tomorrow morning, with Malik and Zev to follow two days later. Daniel and Caelen would remain in the Shadow Palace together, though Daniel made Adrian promise to visit soon—and to bring hair dye.

Malik laughed, getting the distinct feeling that everything would be all right.

What a strange and wonderful feeling that was.

Later, he and Zev settled by the fire in their room. "Tell me more about this foundation," Zev said. "What will you call it?"

"I was thinking the Jahan Foundation for Displaced Youth," Malik said, using his family name.

Zev nodded approval. "Your family would be proud."

The simple statement hit Malik with unexpected force. For so long, thoughts of his deceased loved ones had brought only pain. Now, for the first time, he could imagine them approving of the path he'd chosen.

"I hope so," he whispered.

Zev kissed him softly. "I know so."

Through their connection, Malik felt his confidence as his own. They were going to be all right, and they were going to accomplish wonderful things—together.

EPILOGUE

Six months after returning to Earth, Malik's mansion felt like a different place. Pictures of his family still hung on the walls, but others had joined them. Snapshots of new friends, of the life he was building with Zev.

Malik glanced at them as he hurried down the hallway, arms laden with campaign notes, dice, and meticulously painted miniatures. His custom game master screen—purchased during those empty, lonely months after the accident—was tucked under one arm. From the kitchen came the unmistakable scent of pizza. Four different kinds, because no one could agree on toppings.

"Zev?" he called out. "They'll be here in twenty minutes!"

No response. Frowning, Malik set his burden down on the dining room table and went in search of his partner.

He found Zev in the kitchen, standing completely motionless in front of the high-tech refrigerator. The appliance's touchscreen display was flashing with a digital message while makingoccasional beeping sounds. Zev stared at it with the intensity of someone facing a dangerous opponent.

"Not again," Malik sighed.

"It won't stop," Zev stated flatly, never taking his eyes off the device. "Every thirty seconds, it lights up and makes that noise."