Page 33 of Casting Butterflies

“You know, Charlie’s hubby is a hunter. Bet he could give a hand arresting this fucker’s ass and bringing him back to their world.”

“We do not communicate with the Umbradriad. They think us a myth, and we prefer to keep it that way.”

“That’s a hardcore feud if you’re willing to let your people suffer rather than reach out for help.”

“Their kind of help could be worse for us in the long run.” The car set off, and it was as cramped and unpleasant as expected. It didn’t help I kept craning my head to peek out the window to see if anything followed us in the sky.

No sign of the pernicae. Yet. But soon as we left the ley line area Cedric mentioned, I didn’t imagine it would be long before it located me and attacked.

“If I die, what happens to the spirit?” The conversation I’d had earlier with Cedric had me wondering.

“I’m not sure.”

“How can you not know?”

“Because when Anivivi was a part of our enclave it didn’t inhabit a fleshy body.”

“Then what did it live in?”

It took him a second before he replied in a low tone. “A tree.”

“Ooh, like the one in Lord of the Rings? You know, the golden-leafed tree that kept the elves healthy and stuff.”

“While I hate to agree with such a foolish comparison, there are some similarities. Ours was linked to our vitality. It fed and increased our magic. Kept us protected. Safe.” He paused before adding, “Fertile.”

“Wait, you’re saying no spirit in the tree means no babies?”

He nodded. “It’s not understood how or why, but it’s somehow linked to our ability to procreate. No Luxalis have been born since it’s theft.”

“If it’s that important, then how the heck did that dude manage to get close enough to steal it? And how? I mean, didn’t you have it guarded?”

“In retrospect, we should have had someone always watching over the tree holding Anivivi, but at the time, we were a trusting people, and he had everyone fooled.” Misha’s grip tightened on the wheel. “You need to stop asking me about it. This is a story best relayed by the elders.”

“Why?”

“Because they are the keepers of our history.”

“And they can tell me all about it in detail when we get there? It might be helpful if I have the basic facts.”

“You are irritatingly persistent.”

“I know. It’s one of my better qualities.”

Before we could argue some more—and I could have Misha inadvertently spill more secrets—Cedric growled.

No need to ask why. The pernicae had found us.

13

Without me having to ask, Misha stopped the car, and we both spilled out, which led to him snapping, “What are you doing? Get back in the vehicle.”

“No.”

“What do you mean no? The pernicae is coming for you.”

“I’m aware, and while I know you’re capable of shooting it from the sky, it will just come back. Might as well rid ourselves of it now.”

I didn’t need to explain for him to grasp my intent. “Don’t you dare use Anivivi’s magic!”