Aiden frowned. "Wall of light?"
Oron stepped forward and reached into his front shirt pocket. He carefully lifted out a tiny doll like body and, with sad eyes handed it to Meryn.
"Felix! Oh, honey, what did you do?" Meryn cuddled the small sprite, tears streaming down her face. She looked around. "Ryuu! Ryuu!"
Ryuu rushed forward, "I am here, denka. Keep him close to your body to keep him warm. He used up a lot of magic keeping Penny and the Carmichaels safe." Ryuu picked up a tiny hand and a small blue current passed to the sprite. To everyone it looked like his breathing got a lot easier.
Ryuu straightened and looked around the foyer. "Gentlemen, please escort our guests to the family room and wrap them in blankets. I'll be right back with warm drinks for everyone and some honey for our little warrior."
Colton and Keelan helped Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael to the family room and into chairs. Rheia sat down on the sofa and proceeded to inspect every inch of her daughter. When she went to check for a second time Penny rolled her eyes and snuggled close. Colton sat down beside them and wrapped his arm around them both.
In the foyer Aiden and Gavriel gave instructions to Sascha to continue their guard duty around the Alpha estate. When everyone was gathered together in the family room, Ryuu began to pass out cups of warm coffee and hot chocolate.
"We're probably the last people you want to help, aren't we?" Mrs. Carmichael asked, twisting her napkin in her hands.
Rheia looked up, surprised. "Of course we'd help. You're Penny's grandparents."
Mrs. Carmichael looked from her to Colton. "But we took her from you."
Colton tightened his arm around them. "We just hadn't had a chance to work out a suitable arrangement yet. You're family and we protect our own."
Mr. Carmichael patted his mate's knee. "Please forgive Mina, we're both shook up. My name is Gerard and this is my mate Wilomina. Thank you for everything you've done. We never believed that ferals would attack us in Lycaonia."
Aiden sat next to Meryn who was still cooing softly to Felix helping him with his honey. He looked at Gerard. "Can you tell us what happened?"
Gerard nodded, his hand trembling slightly as he covered his mouth. "We had just finished eating dinner. Mina made stuffed raviolis, they were always Elena's favorite. Anyway, we were cleaning up the kitchen while Penny colored at the table when the back door was suddenly kicked in. Mina grabbed Penny and I stood between them and the door, but we didn't see any intruders. Suddenly sparks were flying. Every time one of those creatures hit the wall of light they became visible for a moment. Mina was screaming her head off so it didn't take long for the unit warriors to hear and come to our aid. If we hadn't had that tiny little sprite with us, I hate to imagine what would have happened."
"They tried to take our grandbaby away from us, like they took Elena." Mina wept into her hands.
"Thank the Gods you sent Felix with Penny, Meryn," Colton whispered.
Meryn looked up, her eyes rimmed red. "He's my little hero."
Ryuu stepped forward. "If I may? It has been an extremely long day for everyone and my denka is exhausted. Might I suggest everyone retire for the evening to get some rest?"
Aiden stood nodding. "We'll leave the perimeter up indefinitely until we can figure out why they're attacking. Ryuu, can you get the word out to everyone, especially the trainees, not to approach the Alpha estate without clearing it with you? I'm afraid that means you'll have to raise and lower the perimeter throughout the day as needed."
Ryuu placed a hand over his chest and bowed. "Of course. If it will keep my charge safe and able to sleep at night, I will gladly do so."
Keelan shook his head. "Aiden, we can't live like this. That spell is far from perfect."
Aiden nodded. "I know, but it's the best we have right now. Give the key to Ryuu, he'll act as a gatekeeper."
Penny yawned and snuggled closer to Rheia's chest. For the first time in twenty-four hours Rheia felt like she could breathe again. She couldn't stop kissing the top of Penny's head and she wasn't the only one. Colton hadn't stopped rubbing Penny's back since they sat down.
Mina looked at them, her eyes shining. "You're very good with her. She's a very considerate child. I knew she was trying not to hurt our feelings, but we Gerard and I knew she wasn't happy. Now we see why, she missed her parents." Mina's voice choked up.
Gerard rubbed her arm gently. "I think this is what Elena would have wanted, Mina."
Mina dabbed at her eyes and turned to Rheia. "You will let us visit, won't you?" she asked timorously.
Rheia's heart soared. Did this mean she and Colton could keep Penny? "You can visit any time you would like. In fact, once we get rid of these ferals, we'd love it if you'd watch her sometimes during the day or have her over for the weekend."
Mina smiled warmly. "Thank you. We wanted a chance to do right by our daughter, but seeing the two of you with her, I can't in good conscience keep you apart. It's obvious she loves you."
Rheia squeezed Penny tight. "And we love her, very much."
Colton stood. "Come on, let's get our girl to bed."
Rheia nodded and Colton helped her stand with Penny still in her arms.
"Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael, if you will follow me? I will show you to one of our guest suites," Ryuu offered with a bow.