Page 16 of Casting Butterflies

It is not in my power to give thee wealth.

“Then what would I get out of it?”

Are not the thanks of those you will help enough?

“You’re talking about me losing my job, likely the house, and putting my life in danger for strangers. Sorry, buddy, but while I’m all for doing charity, you’re asking a bit too much.”

A pause, then the voice said, Thou wishes to help the dryad defeat his curse?

“I do. Are you saying if I accept, you’ll fix him?” Because that would interest me.

I cannot. However, your journey will have you encountering those with the knowledge to aid.

“A journey to where?”

Across the ocean to the hidden realm.

Intriguing but for one thing… “And I assume I’m supposed to get there on my dime,” I muttered.

Do you accept?

Back to that question again, only, this time, I had a few clues. I’d have to travel—which would max out my already hurting credit cards—put myself in danger—and possibly die—but I’d find someone who might know how to help Cedric beat his feline curse. Sounded daunting. Exciting. Also terrifying. Did I dare say yes?

For some reason, I thought of Charlie. Not too long ago, she was a regular working drone like me. Then, she’d accidentally opened a portal to another dimension, faced off against demons and a dark prince, travelled to another world, and prevailed against really terrible odds. As her prize for stepping up, she was now married to a really hot elf, became a queen with a super-pretty crown, and lived in a castle.

What if this was my opportunity to test my limits? To do something worthwhile? Maybe find “the one.” Did I really want to turn down my one chance at adventure? Greatness?

Before I could change my mind, I blurted out, “Fuck it. I accept.”

The voice didn’t thank me or waste time. It also provided no warning as to what would happen next, likely because, had I known, I’d have said fuck no.

The tornado of butterflies suddenly illuminated with streaks of light. Pretty colors that swirled and whirled—and tightened around me like a noose.

The spinning bugs drew closer and closer. Enough I could feel the wind from their wings.

I blurted out, “You know what, I changed my mind. Sorry, you’ll have to⁠—”

Forget speaking or breathing. A butterfly, its body glowing from within, broke free of the maelstrom and flew right into my open mouth. I immediately grabbed my neck and gagged. Not that it did any good, as it proved to only be the first. The storm of winged bugs streamed at me.

Into me.

Pouring into my mouth, down my throat, filling me.

Horrifying me.

It was worse than all my nightmares combined. I choked on the butterflies invading my body. Felt them crowding within, still fluttering.

Oh god.

What had I done?

I felt myself expanding as even more of them stuffed their way inside. I hurt. I stretched. My skin burned at the tightness as they kept cramming. Did they not realize I had no more space left?

When the last of the bastards wedged its way into my mouth, I exploded!

7

To my surprise, I went from shattering into a zillion pieces to waking up lying on the kitchen floor with Cedric sitting on my chest staring down at me.