Page 61 of Night Fae

"Like I've been hollowed out with a spoon," Malik admitted.

She nodded as if this were perfectly normal. "Your life force was severely depleted. The shadow paths took much from you, and the rest..." She left the sentence unfinished, but they all knew who had taken the rest.

"But I'll be fine?" Malik asked.

"With time and rest." She placed cool fingers on his wrist, her expression unreadable. "Your pulse is stronger. That's good."

"How much time?"

"A few more days, I would say." She turned to Daniel and Adrian. "Don't overtax him. Short conversations only for today."

After checking a few more things, she left them alone again.

"So," Malik said when the silence stretched too long. "We're in the Shadow Kingdom now? Is everyone else here too?"

Daniel glanced aside. "We're still looking for my brother and Leon. Lyrian might be with his grandmother."

"I'm sure they're safe," Adrian said. He looked at Malik. "We were most worried about Zev, actually. On the way here, Knox and I heard rumors about Veridia's Deadliest Assassin returning to service."

Malik licked his lips. His mouth still felt so dry. "They forced him."

A sad look crossed Adrian's features. "We figured it had to be something like that. Knox said Zev would never serve his family voluntarily."

A moment of silence passed as they all contemplated this.

"Did Zev say anything before..." Malik gestured vaguely, "...before the fight with Caelen?"

Daniel shook his head. "Not much. He was barely holding it together when he arrived. Knox said he's never seen Zev so... unstable."

A pit opened in Malik's stomach. "I need to talk to him."

"Zev?" Daniel shook his head. "Not a chance. Not until you're stronger."

"Not until he's calmer," Adrian added.

"He's alone right now," Malik whispered. "He shouldn't be alone."

Adrian placed a gentle hand on Malik's shoulder. "I promise you he'll be okay. You should focus on healing now. We'll let you get some rest."

He and Daniel both stood.

"Is there anything else you need?" Daniel asked. "Anything we can get you?"

Malik shook his head slightly. "I'm fine." That was a lie, of course. There were many things he wanted, but nothing Daniel could help him acquire.

"Okay, if you're sure," Daniel said. "We'll check up on you again in a little bit."

The room fell quiet when they closed the door behind them.

Left to his own devices, Malik drifted between wakefulness and sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the violet meadow from his dream. Zev standing at its edge, guilt and hunger warring in his eyes.

I've never tasted anyone like you.

The words echoed in his mind. Had Zev really spoken to him in his dreams? Or had it been just his own imagination, giving voice to his hopes and fears?

There was only one way to find out.

Malik waited, gathering what little strength he had. When the palace fell quiet and no footsteps passed his door for some time, he pushed himself up and swung his legs out of the bed, bracing against momentary vertigo.