Page 24 of Casting Butterflies

He shook his head. “She was not the betrayer.”

“She had the necklace.”

His tone held a hint of irony as he explained, “Papillon stole it from the betrayer. His rage at her actions was delicious.”

“How did you find out she took it?”

“Because during a confrontation with the betrayer, he let it slip. Knowing it was no longer under his protection, we spent decades seeking it, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that we finally sensed its presence.”

“When I bought it,” I mused aloud.

“It wasn’t the purchase that made it visible but it’s emergence from behind whatever shield hid its magical signature.”

“The box lined in argencae inside a house also protected by it,” murmured Cedric, his words barely heard over the rumble of the plane engines.

A light bulb went off. “Papillon made her house into a faraday-type box to block that monster from finding it.” Another thought hit me. “You mentioned when at the house that you were flying in for the auction. How did you know about it?”

“Several days ago, when the necklace was removed from its shielded box, it emitted a beacon if you will, an SOS. Several of my people, myself included, immediately scried for its exact location. Upon locating it, I began my journey while, at the same time, searching for any information available, which is how I discovered it would be for sale.”

“But then arrived too late to buy it.” My lips pinched. “Did you burn down Papillon’s house?”

“No. Why would I destroy a place that might have held a clue? I arrived to find it a smoldering husk. I had planned to question the person who’d held the sale. However, when you removed the necklace from its containment, I was able to track it down at your home.”

As had the monster.

“I take it the spirit is still emitting a signal?”

“Yes.”

Some turbulence had me hugging my knees. “Can the pernicae attack us while we’re in the air?”

“Doubtful.”

“Um, I think you meant to say no, Flo, it most definitely can’t,” I riposted.

Misha rolled those wide shoulders. “I’m not sure what it’s capable of.”

“It can fly.”

“Yes, but whether or not it can reach this altitude or match this speed…” Misha again shrugged.

“Have you tangled with it before?”

“Not this version; however, we are familiar with constructs, the name we use for beings that solely created from magic. Although, usually, they are brought into existence for more benign purposes.”

“Such as?”

“Protection. Farming.” He shrugged. “My people are few, so constructs, which are also sometimes called golems, are used to help with tasks.”

“Which means you light elves can do magic.”

“Yes, but without Anivivi, our power is weakened.” His lips flattened. “I have told you enough. Too much even. I would suggest you get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us once we land.”

“Land where?”

“London,” he said on a sigh as he slunk down to pillow his head on his rucksack.

“London as in England?” I clapped my hands. “Ooh, are we going to see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben and that famous bridge?”