The front door creaked open as Malik stepped inside, tossing his keys onto the entry table. The scent of vanilla candles and takeout lingered in the air, but it was the sound of laughter that made him pause.
He tilted his head toward the living room.
Selene sat cross-legged on the couch, a wine glass in hand, her dark curls bouncing as she laughed. Zara leaned against the armrest, smirking, her cheeks flushed. It was the most relaxed he'd seen either of them in weeks.
"Well, well, well..." Malik drawled, stepping in and folding his arms. "Look who finally decided to rise from the dead."
Zara raised a brow. "Too soon."
He ignored the jab and narrowed his eyes at her. "Seriously, though. What happened to you?"
Zara exchanged a glance with Selene, her expression softening. "It's...a lon
