Southern Burrows — Dawn
The entrance opened between the gnarled roots of an old giant tree, barely noticeable among the undergrowth.
Inside, the air was thick, damp, and heavy with the earthy scent of soil and decay. The ceiling sagged low, uneven, patched with roots and loose dirt. Here and there, stones had fallen, forming small piles where the tunnel had collapsed before.
Each step sent fine dust drifting upward, catching in the dim light that filtered faintly through cracks in the earth.
The main passage was wide but irregular, clearly carved over time by the twisting burrows of earthworms. The walls were lined with packed mud, damp and sticky, and tunnels branched off at odd angles, twisting into shadowed recesses. Occasionally, the ground shifted underfoot with a soft, unsettling give.
Magnus crouched on a raised mound of packed soil, wings folded close against his back. His chest rose and fell in slow, deliberate breaths, the air around him shifting subtly with each exhale.
Hawks advanced cautiously, antennae angled low. He stayed close to the walls, feet adjusting with each step to avoid unsettling the loose soil beneath them.
"I trust that you retrieved the Intel from her… Hawks."
Magnus opened his dark eyes. They glinted in the faint sunlight filtering through the cracks in the burrow ceiling.
"Lord Magnus…"
Hawks lowered into a bow, his upper body angling forward as his black wings folded inward behind him, the dense membranes tightening along their veins.
"I received word from her. However…"
He straightened. Faint sunlight slipped down through the burrow opening and brushed across his dark chitin at the collar and shoulders, the surface catching the light unevenly.
"She had little information to provide. She was under pursuit by the same ant squad responsible for eliminating the centipedes we directed into this burrow."
His hands shifted at his sides, fingers pressing briefly against the hard surface of his forearm plating.
"The location of the Moonveil Blossom remains unconfirmed."
Hawks lifted his gaze toward Magnus. His eyes widened, breath catching in his throat as his posture drew tight with fear.
"We should never have allowed them to leave this place alive."
A moth's fist clenched tight, his black chitin along his forearm flexed under the strain.
"Those ants are dangerous."
His jaw set, teeth grinding briefly as his gaze hardened.
"Especially that… Lieutenant."
"Of course you view them as a threat...Rift."
A female moth stepped forward from the shadows and tilted her head slightly, a thin smile forming as her fingers relaxed at her side.
"But I assure you, you are the only one who fears those tunnel dwellers."
Her gaze lingered on him, unblinking.
"If memory serves, it was an ant who severed your wings and left you incapable."
She shifted her weight, chitin along her leg plates settling with a faint scrape.
"Honestly, I fail to understand why you are still here."
"Say that again."
Rift's head turned sharply toward her. His jaw locked tight, the muscles along his neck standing out as his breathing grew heavy.
"Unlike you, I do not require wings or quills to kill my prey,Vespera."
The corner of his mouth lifted into a slow, deliberate smirk. His eyes remained fixed on her, unblinking.
"Would you like me to demonstrate why…"
His hand moved to his side. One mandible slid free from its sheath, the hardened edge catching the light as he held steady in his grip.
"I would gladly put as many quill holes in you as you desire."
Vespera's lips curved with open contempt as tension ran through her frame. The muscles along her back tightened, spreading through her shoulders as her wings extended outward.
The dense black membranes pulled taut. Along her hind wings, rows of rigid quills came into view, bone-hardened chitin curving forward, each tipped with a hooked point.
Her eyes remained flat and fixed on Rift, posture steady, inviting the escalation rather than retreating from it.
Magnus spread his wings wide. The membranes blocked the light pouring in from above, and the burrow sank into near-total darkness as the illumination was cut off at once.
A moment passed.
As the light returned in thin shafts along the walls, Magnus lowered his wings. His eyes caught what little glow remained in the chamber, the intensity in them sharpening as the space settled back into stillness.
"My sincere apologies, my lord."
Vespera lowered into a bow, her upper body dipping forward as her posture tightened, head held down.
Another moth stepped forward, his arms folding across his chest, the plates along his forearms settling as he came to a stop.
"It is true that those ant soldiers demonstrated competent strength. They slew more than five centipedes, including the stone centipede, with only six among them. That is not a trivial accomplishment."
He drew in a slow breath, then released it, shoulders easing as his gaze remained steady.
"However… none of them will present a threat once my lord comes into possession of the flower on the next full moon."
"Such valuable intelligence, Mirage. I'll be sure to remember it—should it ever actually become relevant."
Vespera's lips curved into a shallow smile, the corners tightening as her eyes lingered on him a moment longer than necessary.
Mirage did not react. His posture remained unchanged, arms still folded, gaze forward, attention already withdrawn from her presence.
"Aurora reported that the ant and Butterfly monarchs have likely formed an alliance to strike our main lair."
Hawks remained still as the words settled, shoulders held tight beneath the dark chitin.
"They are already moving toward it."
A brief pause followed, his jaw setting before he continued.
"She also informed us that she was assigned to the unit deployed for that operation. To avoid suspicion, she must accompany them."
His gaze lowered for a moment, fingers pressing lightly against his palm.
"As a result, the retrieval of the flower will be delayed."
"Lord Magnus… are you certain Aurora can still be trusted at such a critical juncture?"
Mirage stood still as his gaze lifted toward Magnus, posture held firm, attention sharpened.
"Lately, I have sensed hesitation in her actions."
A brief pause followed. His jaw set, eyes narrowing just enough to reflect concern.
"It gives the impression that her motives may no longer be aligned with ours."
Magnus lifted one hand and motioned slowly, the gesture deliberate and weighted, leaving no room for further discussion.
"I understand your concern, Mirage."
His fingers lowered, resting once more at his side as his gaze remained fixed ahead.
"But understand this…"
A brief pause followed, the silence pressing into the space.
"I am the one in control."
"She is my masterpiece."
Magnus remained unmoving as the words carried through the burrow, his voice lowered until it pressed into the space, felt rather than raised.
"I am the one who gave her the strength to direct her vengeance, when she was nothing more than an orphan driven by unfocused rage."
His gaze held forward, unblinking, the darkness around him undisturbed.
"The entirety of her existence belongs to me."
He leaned forward slightly, the movement shifting his weight as the light in the burrow dimmed around his frame.
"She will bring me the Moonveil Blossom. She understands that without my guidance, she is nothing more than a fractured moth without direction."
His eyes remained fixed ahead, expression unmoved.
"She cannot disobey me."
A pause followed.
"That certainty is precisely why she will not perceive my next action."
His gaze turned, settling on Rift without urgency.
"Rift. You will depart with twenty moths to the Hollow Foundry of Shadows."
The command carried evenly, without emphasis.
"Your task is to eliminate Aurora the moment she succeeds in removing the Butterfly Monarchs."
Another brief pause, deliberate.
"If she herself becomes compromised, then you will deal with the Monarchs in her place."
"Yes, sir."
Rift's lips curved into a brief smirk before he turned away. His footsteps faded as he moved deeper into the unlit stretch of the burrow, his form swallowed.
"Hawks."
Magnus's gaze shifted to him, steady and unyielding.
"It is likely that Aurora concealed the Moonveil Blossom in the same region where she relayed this information to you."
A brief pause followed, the weight of the decision settling.
"I am placing you in charge of its retrieval."
"I will see to it that the flower is located."
Hawks dipped into a formal bow, head lowering as his posture tightened in acknowledgment.
As he straightened, his black wings unfolded with controlled precision. The membranes caught the air, lifting him cleanly from the burrow floor as he departed without hesitation.
Magnus's chest plates barely moving as he drew a shallow breath. His lips pulled back into a rigid smirk, his eyes glinted as they caught the stray light as he leaned slightly back.
It is almost time. Soon, you will face my wrath, Hopper… warlord of this region.
Magnus rested his head against his hand, the obsidian plating of his forearm cool against his temple. His folded wings and broad frame obstructed the light filtering through the ceiling cracks, casting a long, unmoving shadow across the burrow floor.
Enjoy the sun while it lingers. Soon, this entire area will plummet into absolute darkness.
The sun remained high above the forest canopy, its light breaking through the leaves as wind moved steadily through the branches.
Below, the unit advanced toward the Hollow Foundry of Shadows in tight formation. Seraphina, Nytheris, and the two Butterfly guardians kept altitude overhead, wings beating in controlled intervals as they guided the route.
Ari moved several steps ahead of the soldier ants, his armored feet striking exposed roots, loose soil, and scattered stone. Each step produced a muted clink as plates met the uneven ground, his posture steady, antennae angled forward as he tracked the path ahead.
He lifted his head, eyes tracking the movement above. Light filtered through the canopy and caught briefly along black wings as Nytheris adjusted his position in the air. Ari's gaze stayed fixed on him as he moved across the sky.
I took a high-level risk assembling this unit.
Ari kept his eyes forward, expression unmoving as the unit advanced through the forest. His steps remained even, armor plates settling with each stride.
If my judgment is wrong...if Nytheris is not involved with the moths and their schemes—then none of us here will return to the colony, we will inevitably die...
His hand closed around the mandible's hilt, grip firm and controlled, before loosening again.
But if I am correct about everything and the Moths' true location, then this becomes our opening. A chance to withstand and overwhelm the Moths… and to secure the Moonveil Blossom.
A light impact struck the back of his shoulder plate. Ari's focus broke as he halted mid-step. One of the corporals stood close behind him, arm lowered again, posture tight and expectant.
He turned, eyes settling on Quinn. Her expression was calm, the corners of her mouth lifted just enough to soften her gaze. She stood close, posture relaxed, attention fixed on him.
"I thought you were reckless at first," her voice remained even, without edge. "Running into the forest alone. Stepping straight into this conflict."
She paused, eyes holding his, shoulders rising once with a measured breath before settling.
"But earning the Queen's respect—and recognition from the Butterfly Monarchs—that doesn't happen by chance." Her chin lifted slightly. "And leading this unit, even as a lance corporal…"
She inclined her head once, slow and deliberate.
"That takes resolve. I'm impressed."
Her gaze remained on him as she spoke, tone steady and assured. One hand rested briefly at her hip as her pace matched his as they advanced.
"Now I understand why Beatrice holds you in such high regard."
Ari slowed half a step, gaze shifting briefly aside. His fingers lifted to his cheek, scratching once before his hand dropped again.
"Right… I didn't get the chance to apologize for my recklessness, Corporal Quinn."
"Don't worry about it."
Her palm struck the back of his exoskeleton with a firm tap. The impact nudged him forward, armored feet scraping against the soil as he caught himself after a couple of uneven steps.
"That's behind us now." Her pace resumed ahead of his, steady and unhurried. "Focus on the mission. That's what matters."
The edge of her expression softened as she looked ahead, attention already shifting back to the path.
"Right."
The word left him quietly as his pace settled back into rhythm with the unit.
Of all the female soldiers I've met, she's the most...grounded.
His eyes shifted ahead, then briefly to the side, taking in Quinn's broad shoulders and solid frame as she walked with unforced ease.
Despite looking like the toughest among them she feels the most...normal. Unlike those other misfits.
A slow breath left his chest, controlled and quiet,
As the Butterfly meadows came into view in the distance, Ari eased his pace. His steps shortened, armor settling as the other soldier ants moved pass him.
I'm depending on you to defeat Magnus and his Moths—Valeria, Ignatia.
His jaw set as his gaze lifted toward the open land ahead, focus narrowing.
And this plan only holds if you retrieve the Moonveil Blossom—Lily, Beatrice, Rory, Isla, Nova.
Above them, Nytheris kept his gaze fixed on Ari below. Light caught briefly in his dark eyes as his fingers curled into a tight fist, the plates along his knuckles drawing close while his wings held steady in the air.
At the eastern edge of the training ground, large boulders lay in uneven rows, their rough, jagged surfaces catching the direct sunlight and casting long shadows near the colony's entrance.
Commander Valeria stood before a formation of more than a hundred military ants and twenty Butterfly guardians. Ignatia was positioned among them, indigo wings held close, posture composed.
Nearby, Luminara stood in still contrast, white exoskeleton and wings bright beneath the sun, the green cloth over her eyes unmoving.
"Listen up."
Valeria folded her arms across her chest, armor feet thudding with a muted scrape as the formation stilled. Her gaze moved across the assembled ranks, steady and unyielding.
"As we speak, Ari's unit is advancing toward the Hollow Foundry of Shadows. They should be arriving soon."
She paused, letting the information settle. The air held quiet beneath her presence.
"Some of you may be questioning why we've divided our forces for another expedition." Her jaw set as she continued. "I'll be clear."
Her eyes sharpened, posture unmoving.
"We are deploying to the southern burrows."
A sharp wave of murmurs moved through the ranks. Several soldiers stiffened at once, posture breaking for a brief moment before control returned, the tension hanging heavy in the air.
"Our lance corporal, Ari, has determined that Magnus—the Moth leader—is operating out of that burrow."
The words carried evenly across the ground, firm without strain. Valeria remained motionless, shoulders squared, stance unbroken.
"Based on his findings, we are over eighty percent certain that is where we will encounter him.I expect full vigilance on this operation. This mission exceeds your standard engagement parameters."
Her jaw set.
"The current threat level is sergeant grade. If we fail to act decisively, it will escalate—to that of a lieutenant."
One arm unfolded. Her hand rose once, precise and final.
"Move out."
The formation broke cleanly, feet striking the packed ground as the column advanced toward the southern burrow. Above them, the Butterfly guardians launched in unison, wings opening wide before carrying them into the open air.
"As expected of the commander of the military ants. Her leadership is firm."
The words were measured, approval carried without excess. Luminara's hands were taken by her guardians as they lifted her smoothly from the ground, white wings spreading as her weight left the earth.
The green cloth over her eyes remained still as she rose with them.
Ignatia stayed behind for a moment at the colony's entrance. Sunlight caught along the edge of her dark purple exoskeleton as her red eyes remained fixed ahead, unblinking.
All this time… to think he could betray us.
Her jaw tightened, breath drawn in and held briefly.
I can only hope that isn't the truth.
Indigo wings unfurled with controlled force. With a single downward beat, she lifted from the ground and followed after the others, leaving the entrance behind.
From within a nearby tunnel, Beatrice watched from the corner, her head angled just enough to keep the departing formation in view.
She remained still until the last of them cleared the entrance and the sound of movement faded down the passage.
A slow breath left her chest as she stepped out into the open. She turned to face Rory, Isla, Nova, and Lily, posture straight, feet set evenly against the packed earth as her attention settled on them.
"Alright. Let's get moving."
Beatrice's stance held firm as she turned toward the tunnel mouth, already setting the pace forward.
"Yes."
The response came in near unison. Isla straightened as she spoke, shoulders squaring despite the tension in her posture. Rory nodded once, jaw set as his feet shifted into motion beside her.
"That's the spirit."
Lily stepped in close, giving each of them a solid pat between on the back before moving ahead, her stride light and playful.
As they started down the passage, Nova lagged half a step behind. She paused at the tunnel's edge, eyes lifting toward the dark line of forest beyond the entrance.
Her fingers curled briefly against her palm before easing.
Be safe… Ari.