Page 62 of Night Fae

The stone floor felt ice-cold against his bare feet. Good. The shock of it helped clear his mind, if only for a moment.

He found a robe draped over a nearby chair and pulled it on. His legs were shaky but held his weight.

He would be okay if he took things slow.

Sticking close to the wall, he made it to the door, pausing only to steady himself against the frame before stepping into the corridor. More amber crystals cast long shadows along the stone walls.

East wing, Daniel had said.

Malik didn't know which way that was. But he wasn't going to let that stop him.

He would try to go left.

He even made it a few feet before his vision swam, dark spots dancing at the edges. And then his legs gave out.

He pitched forward into empty air, bracing for impact with the stone floor.

It never came.

Strong arms caught him, one around his waist, the other supporting his chest. Familiar arms. A familiar scent—forest and night air and something uniquelyZev.

"What are you doing?" Zev's voice was low, tight with anger or concern or both.

Malik looked up into violet eyes, so bright they seemed to glow in the darkness, even though Zev's glamor was back in place. "Looking for you," Malik managed. His heart pounded painfully, and not just from exertion.

Zev had come for him.

"You shouldn't be out of bed." Zev's grip tightened, supporting more of Malik's weight.

"You were in my dream." The words tumbled out. Malik needed to know. "Wasn't just my imagination, was it?"

Something flickered across Zev's face—surprise, then guarded caution. "We can discuss this after you're back in bed."

"So it was real." Malik's lips curved into a weak smile. "Everything you said."

Zev's jaw tightened. "I didn't intend to invade your dreams."

"Not an invasion. I like… you there." Malik's vision darkened at the edges. His body sagged further against Zev's support.

Without warning, Zev swept him up, one arm behind his knees, the other supporting his back. The sudden movement made Malik's head spin, and he instinctively curled toward Zev's chest.

"This is familiar," he murmured, and if he hadn't been so tired, he might have laughed.

"Familiar?"

"Mhm." Malik closed his eyes. With his head against Zev's chest, he could hear the fae's heartbeat, strong and steady.

He didn't care what anyone said, this was what safety felt like.

"You shouldn't have left your room." Zev's voice was a low rumble. "You're still recovering."

"Had to find you."

Zev didn't ask why. Maybe he already knew. He probably knew.

Malik had not been subtle, recently. Especially not in his dreams.

They reached Malik's chamber, and Zev shouldered the door open. A moment later—all too soon—Zev laid him on the bed with a gentleness that belied his stern expression.