Page 30 of Casting Butterflies

“Didn’t even think of that,” I muttered before adding, “Wouldn’t a bubble for us mean the pilots would have died?”

“Likely.”

“Did everyone on board survive?” my next question.

“Yes.”

“Then my way was better because everyone walked away.”

Cedric sighed. “Yes, however, we now have to hope the repercussions were worth those two lives.”

I might not know who piloted the plane, but in my mind, they likely appreciated it, not to mention, could I have lived with their deaths on my conscience? After all, the pernicae only attacked because of me.

Misha returned, bearing a tray with toast and a bowl of something that steamed. Beans in a thick tomato sauce.

My hunger didn’t care I’d be farting up a storm later. I shoveled it, the toast, then the back bacon and eggs that Misha also brought.

Only once I’d curbed my ravenous need did I start questioning the elf. “So, Twinkle-toes, what’s the plan now to get to Russia? We stowing aboard another plane?”

He didn’t address my nickname for him to my annoyance. “A flight would have been quickest. However, all the UK airports have cancelled their flights while they try to figure out what happened to our plane. There is concern it might happen again.”

“Not sure why it’s such a big deal. So the plane grew wings. They kept it from crashing.” I downplayed my actions, but Misha scowled.

“It’s not just the wings they’re investigating but the many tears in the fuselage.”

“They know about the monster attack?”

“Hard to ignore, given the evidence. They are perturbed that their radars didn’t pick up the creature that left the damage.”

“How are you so well informed?”

“Because I have sources,” Misha’s mysterious reply.

“Okay, so we can’t fly. What’s our next best option?”

“We’ll need to traverse via ferry to the Netherlands and, from there, rent a car.”

“A car?” My nose wrinkled. “I thought Europe had the best train system in the world.”

“A train makes us an easy target.”

“And a car doesn’t?” I riposted.

“I’d rather drive.”

“Because you’re a control freak. Me, I like the idea of a sleeper cabin and a restaurant.”

Once more his expression pinched in annoyance. “This isn’t a holiday.”

“I’m aware, but that doesn’t mean you need to make our trip miserable.”

“We need to move quickly. We’ve already wasted enough time.”

“Considering a week ago you didn’t have a clue where the spirit was, I’m pretty sure you’re exaggerating.”

“The pernicae hunts you.”

“I’m aware, and I’m thinking it might be time I put a stop to it.”