Page 39 of Night Fae

He imagined each of them flying off to the afterlife to tell Rhys about his sins.

What a silly thought.

He rose and paced the length of his chambers.

If he couldn't sleep, he should check on Malik.

Malik, who had kissed him, thinking he was dreaming. Had he meant it?

He'd certainly seemed embarrassed enough for real emotions.

No wonder.

He was a soft human caught in the clutches of the Night Court. Anyone would go a little crazy in his place.

Malik was too pure to be here.

Zev paused by the window, pressing his forehead against the cool glass. It was his job to protect Malik. It was the onegoodthing he could still do.

He returned to his bed, stretching out on his back, arms at his sides. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing.

As his body relaxed, he extended his consciousness beyond its physical boundaries. As usual, the palace around him teemed with sleeping minds. Even so, Malik's unique signature was easy to find.

But something was wrong with it.

Where Malik's dreams should pulse with emotion and imagery, Zev found... nothing. A void. Not the emptiness of dreamless sleep, but an uncomfortable absence where feeling should exist.

What had happened to him?

What had theydoneto him?

Was it Prince Ashelon?

Zev opened his eyes and sat up. Without another thought, he crossed to the door and flung it open.

The guards outside straightened at his sudden appearance.

"Take me to the human," Zev demanded. "Now."

The taller guard shifted uncomfortably. "Lord Darius left orders that?—"

"My grandmother guaranteed my access to the human as part of our arrangement." Zev stepped closer, glaring at the guard. "Unless you'd like to explain to Lady Morvena why you violated her word?"

The guards exchanged glances, a silent calculation passing between them. Lady Morvena's wrath against Lord Darius's displeasure. Neither prospect appealed.

"Very well," the shorter guard relented. "But we escort you the entire time."

Zev nodded once. He didn't care if guards escorted him or not. He needed to see what was wrong with the human.

No more words were exchanged between him and the guards as they walked through the dark palace.

Eventually, they stopped before an ornate door. "Here," the taller guard said. "We'll wait outside."

Zev didn't bother knocking. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, bracing himself for whatever he might find.

Moonlight bathed the chamber in silver.

Malik lay in a four-poster bed, sheets tangled around his legs as though he'd been restless. His eyes were closed, chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep.