Chapter 112: Mutations
The trio ran for hours until they felt safe enough to take a break. And even then, they only gave themselves a few minutes to catch their breath and rub some more dirt on, before resuming their journey until nightfall. Perhaps, the Green or Blue bugs could still track them down, but Percy guessed the queen wouldn’t bother sending her elites that far from the hive.
‘Do you see anything suspicious?’ he asked his familiar.
Ever since they exited the tunnel, he’d had Micky fly lower than usual, to ensure he didn’t get spotted by anyone on the Spire. It wasn’t until the colossal structure was naught but a distant silhouette on the horizon that he gave him permission to climb higher, acting as a scout.
‘No…’
Percy’s eyebrows shot up.
‘What?’
‘No.’ the bird repeated.
The young man was sure he hadn’t misheard. His familiar hadn’t merely transmitted his thoughts – he’d sent an actual word over! Of course, the bird hadn’t uttered a sound – it was all in Percy’s mind – but Micky had talked through their connection in a high-pitched, childlike voice.
‘Can you speak normally now?’