Eventually Marsil was hugged by all of his family, and the tears were flowing all around again. But there was a … happy feel to the emotion this time.
“You chose redemption,” Star said. “I’m surprised.”
Marsil grinned at her. “Do you remember Jenna—we grew up together? She was my best friend, and when she was killed in that cave-in … I haven’t felt whole since.”
“It was a freak accident, right?” Roland said, remembering.
Marsil nodded. “Yes, it was. She has always held my heart, and I hoped she was here. I chose to remain as I was in this life so that I could see her again. And all of you, if it was possible.”
Ambra sobbed, reaching forward to push her son’s hair back.
“Did you?” Star asked, her eyes bright.
“I found her,” he said, happy. “Please know that I’m content. I will wait for you to join me one day. Redemption is the perfect kind of—”
His words were cut off.
Daniel lunged forward and grabbed Marsil’s arm, stopping him from flickering away.
“I can’t hold you much longer,” Daniel warned. “Don’t talk about the afterlife. It’s not for anyone to know until it’s their time.”
Marsil nodded, before he stepped forward again and hugged his family, one by one, each of them whispering last words of goodbye. I had to step away, because I wasn’t sure I could watch this for one more moment and not sob my heart out.
“I love you,” I heard Emma say, and I turned enough to see her hugging him. “Thank you for everything. I will never forget you.”
“I love you too,” Marsil whispered. “Look after my brother. He needs someone to keep him in line.”
Lexen didn’t smile. He looked like his was gritting his teeth actually, jaw rigid, brow furrowed. He was hurting.
“It’s time,” Daniel said a few moments later. “I’m sorry.”
All of the Darkens held their hands out towards Marsil, and he did the same back. Slowly, he started to fade. Just before he disappeared completely, he said: “Oh, and there’s one last thing…”
He was gone then, but in his place two figures slowly appeared, neither of them familiar to me.
The Darkens held each other in their grief, but Daniel stepped forward, astonishment on his face. “Rao … Fraizer,” he said. “You’re both here?”
Rao?I had not recognized him at all. He looked tall and handsome, the scars completely gone from his face. He stood beside Fraizer, who was a younger, happier, hawk-haired version of Daniel.
Fraizer spoke first. “I’m so sorry I betrayed you. I just wanted to save Rao.” He turned his head toward Maya then. “I’m sorry, I hope Laous didn’t hurt you.”
Maya waved a hand at him, tears streaking down her cheeks. “I’m perfectly fine. Sorry we couldn’t save either of you.”
Fraizer shook his head, smiling broadly for the first time. “I was saved. Rao is my family, something I’ve searched for my entire life. We’re together now.”
Daniel was crying. Not in an obvious way, but I could see the glints of moisture on his cheeks. “You both made it to redemption. How could I not know this?”
Rao chuckled, which made all of us smile. “You not had much time,” he said, in broken English.
Daniel chuckled too, wiping at his face. “Yes, that’s true. I was afraid to search for your names as well. Afraid I’d try to save you from the justices.”
“Told you I was a good guy,” Fraizer said with a wink. “You just had to have faith.”
Daniel stepped forward, sucking in a deep breath. “Stick together,” he told his brothers. He reached out and pulled them closer. “I’ll see you both on the other side.”
The three hugged, a bittersweet moment, which hurt as much as it was beautiful. Then Daniel stepped back, and Fraizer faded away. Rao stayed a moment longer … just long enough to hug Callie.
“I’m so sorry,” she sobbed against him. “You tried to help me so much, and I ended up killing you.”
