The red butterfly flew out from the mist, the butterfly swarm gathered again near the campfire that illuminated the black fog, and Shard emerged from the phantom of the butterfly swarm.
However, his face no longer showed a look of anticipation. Miss Higgins, the witch, and Old Lady Miles's small camp still remained by the campfire, as did the boy's soul frozen in mid-air. But, neither the witch nor the elderly lady was to be found here.
"What happened?"
He carefully searched around and found a note pressed beneath a rock by the campfire. It was likely a message from Miss Higgins, informing Shard that they were going to purchase a very important item, and if Shard arrived, he didn't need to look for them.
"But I only have 50 minutes."
In his mind, he thought about this, then turned to speak to the campfire:
"Come out, I know you're watching me."
