The fused Queen's steps cracked the clearing, each clawprint smoking black. Gold ran from her mandibles in ropes, dripping steady. Her wings twitched once, spraying ash in waves.
Buzz dragged himself upright, Zza's silk tight around his chest, his arms, his legs. His claws trembled, split to the bone, but he lifted them anyway.
"She wants us," he rasped. His eyes locked on hers, glowing with rage. "Then she gets us first."
Zza's claws dug into his, binding tighter. Her voice cracked, sharp through the smoke. "She doesn't take us easy. She doesn't take us at all."
The Queen lunged.
Her claw slammed down, tearing the earth in two. Buzz shoved Zza back just far enough to take the blow head-on. His arms locked, his body bending under the force, his chest burning like it would cave. Blood poured down his shell, soaking Zza's threads.
