Azriel's POV

Azriel awoke still in the chair he'd collapsed in. Getting up, hespread his wings, ready to take flight, but the parcel he'd left on the floor caught his eye. He sent a phantom wind to bring it to him. The package was small and neatly wrapped. Azriel undid the string at the top and opened it. Inside lay a wrapped Illyrian dagger. Confused, Azriel picked out the note and unfolded it.

My mother's favorite weapon. Cherish it now that I cannot. I know she was a true mother to you, Az. And I know you have an affinity for knives.

-Rhys

Loosing a deep breath, Azriel pulled the velvet cloth around the dagger away and held it to the light, turning it. He could almost see glimpses of her face in it. His mother's face. He tucked it close to him and took off into the morning sky.

Cassian's POV

Cassian awoke on top of the mountain freezing cold. He let out a breath to watch it fog in front of him. He rubbed his arms and looked towards the package Rhys had left him. Picking it up, Cassian ripped off the paper and saw a simple black bracelet. He pulled out the note that was tucked to the side of it.

Inside some of these beads is soil from important places. The center bead has soil from Velaris. The others have soil from the camp where we were raised, the camp your mother lived in, the mountain where we completed the Blood Rite, the cabin. The others are empty so that you can fill them when you make more cherished memories.

-Rhys

Cassian swiped furiously at his eyes before sliding the bracelet on. He turned his wrist a few times to admire it. It looked good on him. He grinned-still cocky as ever.

"I'll never take it off, Brother." Cassian whispered quietly and pressed his lips to the central bead before taking off to the town house.

Mor's POV

Mor's feet touched down in front of the town house. She hung her head and reached for the knob. She hesitated, though she knew that it was time. Feyre already knew her secret. It was time the rest of her family knew as well. Maybe Rhys and Amren were listening from wherever they had gone to. She turned the knob and stepped inside. Feyre was sitting on the couch with a mug in her hands. Nuala and Cerridwen sat with her along with Nesta and Elain. Not one of them were speaking. Instead they all had empty looks in their eyes as they turned their heads towards the door.

"You're back." Feyre spoke hesitantly, "Are you alright?"

Unable to speak, Mor nodded slightly and sat next to her, taking Feyre's hand and squeezing it tightly.

"Do you know where Cassian is?" Nesta asked tightly, failing to hide her concern."

"No. I don't know where Az is either." Mor replied with clipped words.

"Nesta felt something earlier. After Cassian had left. She said she couldn't breathe." Elain's hazel eyes found Mor's. Nesta leveled a glare at Elain, but it wasn't as harsh as the one she sent Feyre, daring her to say anything about it.

Mor opened her mouth to say something when the door opened behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Cassian entering. Nesta's face betrayed her relief for all of a second before it transformed into cold disdain.

"Miss me?" Cassian gave a toothy smile, but it seemed forced as he stepped into the living room. He gave Nesta a wink and a smirk when she scowled.

"Where's the other one?" Nesta sniffed.

Cassian's smile failed then. "He's still not home?" Cassian looked towards Nuala and Cerridwen, Az's most trusted spies hoping for some information as to where the shadowsinger had vanished.

They both gave solemn shakes of their heads and Mor clasped her hands tightly together. She didn't fail to notice the paling of Elain's skin.

"We should...we should go look for him right?" Elain's voice wavered slightly.

"He doesn't want to be found right now. We'll have to wait." Cassian said gently.

Shadows gathered in the entryway as Azriel appeared. He gave them a grim look before standing next to Cassian and giving his shoulder a squeeze.

It was now or never, Mor decided.

"I uh need to say something. Please j-just listen. Don't say anything until I'm finished please." Mor looked around the room and her gaze settled on Azriel. Tears burned at her eyes, but she forced them away. When her eyes landed on Feyre, her friend gave her a reassuring smile and grasped her hand.

There was a brush at her mental shield and she lowered it slightly. I'm here for you. And I'm happy you've decided to tell everyone. No matter what happens, I'm here. I promise. Feyre's voice filled her head, helping Mor to steel herself.

When she began speaking, her head dropped. She stared at the floor as she told her family everything. When the tears fell from her eyes, she didn't brush them away. She did not let her voice waver once. She spoke strongly as she revealed her biggest secret. And when she was done, she raised her eyes to Azriel's.

His eyes were bright, gleaming with unshed tears. For a long couple of seconds he said nothing. His face betrayed none of what he felt and she started to become more unsure of herself. Suddenly, Azriel walked across the room, knelt in front of her chair and enveloped her in a crushing embrace.

"I will think of you no differently, Morrigan. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I sincerely hope you find it." Azriel spoke so softly that only she could hear.

When Azriel moved away, she caught a glimpse of the pride on Cassian's face. There were tears in his eyes as well when he embraced her. Elain got up and grasped her with more strength than Mor thought possible. Her smile was bright when she went back to her seat.

Nesta didn't hug her, but she gave her a small smile and told her, "I'm glad you chose to be true to yourself, Morrigan." And with that, she slipped upstairs to her room. Multiple shocked looks followed her up the stairs.

"I wish Amren were here." Elain's quiet voice was the one to break the silence.

Solemn looks were traded in remembrance for the tiny jewel hoarder.

"Rhys left her something, but it didn't feel right to open it." Feyre said.

"I think we should leave it in her apartment. That was her favorite place. I think she'd appreciate that."

"There's one last letter from Rhys."

Feyre pulled out the letter marked My Family and set it on the small table in the center of the room.

Mor reached forward to open it when nobody else did. She cleared her throat and read.

This letter will be short. I know one of you kept my ashes and I'd like to request that they be scattered in the Sidra so that a piece of me will remain in the heart of Velaris forever. I love you all and I am sorry.

Rhys

"I have them." Azriel's voice was hoarse as he produced a small jar. Feyre made a small choked noise and turned away.

"We'll have a small funeral tomorrow, then." Mor spoke, trying to keep her voice from breaking.

"I want to make a memorial for him. Something small. Just next to the Sidra. Perhaps a plaque on top of a small pillar?" Feyre's eyes gleamed ever so slightly when everyone nodded.

None of them slept that night. They instead shared each other's presence and told stories and laughed. Things would never be the same, but they were healing.