A butterfly with yellow wings and a fat, furry body flew across the dungeon hall, and landed on the bars that kept Aros trapped in his cell.
He whispered to it, the antennae flickering as it listened to his soft voice.
“Race to the fae queen,” he commanded. “Tell her there is a way to drive the Fenrir king from her domain.”
Queen Kells had been locked in an uneasy treaty with the Wolves for centuries. He knew they would be more than happy to return to the beautiful city they’d created. He just hoped she was brave enough to take on the Fenrir king, and that inciting a war between the fae and Wolves would not end with bloodshed.
If only Eris and Enit would guide him in his time of need. But, he hadn’t heard from them in weeks. He had his mission, and it was up to him to be crafty enough to execute it.
As he spoke to the butterfly, he almost thought he heard a whisper come from the tiny creature.
The butterfly lifted itself from the bars and danced before his eyes. In the darkness, with only the moonlight to cast its faint glow, it seemed to nod.
It then flew high above his head, and out the small window at the top of the cell.
He sighed then, settling down on the floor of the cell, with Sarsa watching him with his glowing eyes.
“What now?” Magnus said from his cell at Aros’ left.
Aros rubbed his hands together, the cold in the air making him shiver.
“Now,” he said, blowing into his cupped hands. “We wait.”
Eostre stood at the window of her prison. Though unlike the cells of the dungeon, it was as much a prison as any. She had a soft bed and enough food to keep her belly full, but, her heart broke for what treatment she knew her boys were suffering. They had been kind to her when she was in need, and she’d been more than happy to aid them on their most righteous quest.
She watched as a butterfly flew across the sky from below. It lingered near her window, its yellow wings twinkling in the night, and for a moment, she was certain it called to her.