Page 5 of Night Fae

He never wanted to go through that again.

And he didn't think the human could withstand it.

"I'm not lying," Malik said.

"We shall see about that." Darius didn't sound the least bit convinced. "Come with me." His voice carried the kind of authority that expected instant obedience. "We'll continue this conversation somewhere more... suitable."

"I'd rather stay here."

"That wasn't a request."

This was bad. If Darius took Malik somewhere else… How could Zev help him?

"Guards." Darius's voice rose. "Escort our guest to the east wing."

Oh damn it all.

The wardrobe door swung open.

"Pick on someone your own size, Father."

Darius didn't even blink. No surprise crossed his features, just that same cold smile that had haunted Zev's nightmares for years. "Ah, there you are. I was wondering how long you'd hide in that wardrobe." His father's fingers traced the rim of a wine glass he'd picked up. "The wards sang when you touched them. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

Zev's stomach dropped. Of course someone would have been monitoring the wards after a strange human crash-landed on the prince's breakfast table.

The whole time he'd cowered in that wardrobe, his father had been baiting him.

"Though I must say," Darius continued, "your choice of hiding spot lacks imagination. You used to be more creative."

More guards filed into the room, blocking the exits. Zev's gaze darted between them, counting weapons, assessing threats.

Darius's smile widened. "Welcome home, son."

CHAPTER 2

Zev's fingers twitched toward the knife hidden in his sleeve. Six guards, all armed. His father, who'd taught him every trick he knew. The odds sucked, but he'd faced worse.

"I'd rather die than call this place home again." Zev said easily.

Darius sighed, setting down his wine glass. "Always so dramatic." He gestured to the guards. "Take them both."

Zev moved. Two throwing knives found guard throats before anyone could blink. As they fell, he drew the curved dagger from his boot and slashed through the third guard's sword hand.

"Get behind me," he snapped at Malik.

Two guards rushed him from opposite sides. Zev flowed between them like shadow given life, his blade opening the throat of one while he kicked the other's knee backward with a sickening crack.

A blade whistled past his ear. Zev spun, parrying the strike and countering with a thrust that slipped beneath the guard's ribs. Blood sprayed. Someone grabbed him from behind—amateurmistake. He drove his elbow back, following with a backward thrust of his dagger.

But he'd lost track of his father.

Magic crackled through the air—dark and familiar. Shadows writhed across the floor, wrapping around Zev's ankles.

"Enough." Darius's voice cut through the chaos. "This is tiresome."

Zev twisted, trying to break free of the dark bonds, but they only tightened. This wasn't the kind of hold he could shake off through physical strength, but his magic was too weak. He hadn't fed on nightmares since before leaving Veridia.

"What's wrong?" Darius's lips curved. "Can't fight my magic? Have you been on a diet?"