Eamon looked puzzled.
Of course, Felix is with you.
Violet stared.
Oh Amelia, darling look at the two of you together. Eamon, Amelia my niece mated to Darian, your nephew. Our families are tied together even more.
Like most of the people in the room, Darian had tears streaming when he stepped behind Amelia. "I swear to you uncle, I will protect them both."
The sphere flickered. "I love you, Momma, I love you, Daddy. I think of you every day!"
Violet blinked slowly.
I have loved you from the first moment the pregnancy stone glowed for me and I will carry that love with me when I go.
Eamon moved his hand as Violet closed her eyes.
The vision is gone.
Violet's head slumped forward and he pulled her back against him gently.
"No! Momma!" Meryn screeched.
Eamon sat back.
With my death, the recording will end. My queen, my final report to you is as follows. Last week I was finally able to track down the ones I feared were killing our people.
He paused.
Oron, son, I'm so sorry, but it's your family. They didn't fade honorably as they should have. Most turned feral and have been hunting fae for vengeance. They are the ones who tracked us here.
He sniffed the air.
They have set fire to the house thinking to smoke us out. As if I'd let them take us alive. My mate is beyond their terrible reach and I'll be joining her soon.
He struggled to draw breath.
My little Meryn, kind as ever. Thank you for the beautiful lie. You made your mother's final moments filled with love and hope and peace. But you are my child and I saw the way pain filled your heart at the mention of your childhood. You must have suffered so much before my brothers found you. Believe in your uncles and your athair, my little Merriment...
He closed his eyes.
They will avenge your sorrow and our deaths, which stole so many years from us.
He opened his eyes.
Brennus, Doran, one of the spheres I sent contains Meryn's light. To keep her hidden, I had to remove it the moment before she was born. I am entrusting you both to return it and keep her safe.
He closed his eyes once more as the edges of the picture began to dim
.
There they are!
Oron inhaled and ground his teeth together at the sound of the stranger's voice. "My father," he whispered.
You're too late. Eamon wheezed.
He then smiled.