Page 98 of My Eternal Light

Noah stepped back. “Holy crap, your stomach is huge.”

Meryn’s mouth dropped open. “Way to put me out there Noah.”

He pointed. “I never really saw it before because you were sitting.” He knelt down. “Hey peanut! Remember me?”

Jaxon looked around. “Where’s Felix?”

Meryn pulled back her shirt. “Hey Felix, looks who’s here.”

A drowsy Felix floated up from the front of her shirt. “Jaxon! Noah!” the sprite flitted around the both of them.

Grinning Nigel lifted up one side of his vest. “Finley, come say hi.”

Kincaid couldn’t help but smile. He loved seeing the young sprites.

Neil did the same for Feris.

Brennus stepped forward and bowed low to the young men.

The boys looked shocked.

Brennus stood. “Thank you, for all you have done to save the fae.”

Jaxon and Noah blushed, unused to the attention.

The queen stepped into the small circle where Meryn was surrounded by her brothers. “Nothing would make me happier than if you were to consider us family as well.”

“I call her Auntie,” Meryn chirped.

The boys exchanged glances, there was no way they would be calling the Queen of the fae, Auntie.

The queen winked at the boys. “We will figure something out. Now, let us go introduce you to the Elder Guardian, Abraxas.”

Everyone walked into the garden and crowded around the Eirlea tree.

“Abraxas, ello, ello!” Meryn called out.

Brennus and Oron winced at the informal greeting.

Laughter filled the garden as Abraxas appeared.

“Oh, my, god,” Noah said, in a strangled voice.

Meryn nodded. “I know right?”

“I hope that we do not have another tragedy on our hands, little Meryn,” Abraxas said, floating over to her.

She shook her head. “I would like to add my adopted brothers to the tree if we can.”

Abraxas looked at each of them. “These are the ones who guided the warriors? The ones that saved our people?”

“They are and… I love them. They take care of me, and I want to take care of them too,” Meryn said, stumbling over her words.

Abraxas’ expression softened. “Such a hard emotion for you, little one. But, I think because it is so hard for you, it is doubly precious.” He eyed them carefully. He raised a hand and everyone except for the boys and Meryn were pushed outside of a barrier.

“Kendrick, what is this?” Kincaid asked.

Kendrick ground his teeth. “No idea.”