Page 8 of Night Fae

His father had been right about another thing. He was too familiar with Malik's pain. It stirred memories in him that he was doing his best never to revisit.

Another reason feeding on him would be a bad choice.

He'd sate his hunger, but his thirst for vengeance would grow unbearable.

No, he could not feed on Malik.

But that didn't mean there wasn't anything he could do about his situation.

Malik had been given a sleep potion, not a nightmare potion. So if Zev could just get him to cut the crap, the noise would stop.

He could share a dream without eating it, like putting food into his mouth without swallowing. Not the easiest feat to accomplish, dream-starved as he was, but he could do it.

As long as he remained in control of his powers.

He reached out with his magic, found the edges of Malik's consciousness. Slipped inside.

Darkness. The screech of tires. Metal crumpling.

Raw grief slammed into him—loss and guilt so thick he could barely breathe.

Something inside him itched to feed on all that delicious terror. This was a five-star nightmare. A true quality meal.

All he had to do was?—

No.

Focus, Zev.

Metal screamed. Glass shattered. The world spun in slow motion, making him dizzy, making him want to throw up.

Malik knew what came next. He always knew, but he could never stop it.

Maya's scream cut off. Mom's hand, reaching back, went limp. Dad's body slumped over the wheel.

The car rolled. Once. Twice.

Malik's seatbelt dug into his chest. His leg twisted. Pain shot through him.

But he lived.

He always lived.

"Malik."

Someone called his name. Who? His brother? Malik tried to twist his head to look at his brother, but he was stuck, he couldn't move, he couldn't?—

"Malik!"

More insistent now, and that wasn't Jamil's voice. That was… That was…

"Snap out of this."

Malik's eyes narrowed. He recognized that voice, but it didn't make any sense for him to be hearing it right now. What was Zev doing on the highway? Could he help? "Zev?" he called. "Over here! Please help my mother. I think she's hurt. And Maya. And?—"

The night fae came into view. Hands reached for him.

"No, don't helpme." Malik struggled against Zev's grip as the fae tried to pull him from the wreckage. "Help my brother—he's bleeding. Maya needs help. Mom's not moving?—"