Chrysalis

To plunge an entire fortress into darkness, to commit every ant within to the cells. Such a thing had never been done in the history of the Sanctum, in the history of the Colony.

The nameless one crouched in a deep and dark tunnel, motionless. Soon, another ant approached.

Greetings, nameless one.

I see you, nameless one.

What word from the Sanctum?

Twenty-four hours until the Fortress goes dark.

We’re going ahead, then.

Of course. The mission stands above all.

Agreed.

After exchanging signs, the two parted ways, the other skittering away to reconnect with her sisters, while the nameless one remained at her post, waiting for the next member of the Sanctum to come down the passage.

Only, the one she found wasn’t the one she expected.

From the darkness around her, she noticed a small tentacle grow, extending out to just in front of her eyes. In the presence of the Shadow, the nameless one held herself perfectly still, awash with reverence.

times in a familiar gesture. Come

deny the summons of the Shadow, she followed. Heading in the direction indicated by the tiny tentacle, she

be calling on her for, something to do with the coming darkness, she was sure. This was the first time the Shadow had taken such a direct hand in the affairs of the Sanctum, who

she emerged , pushing herself out into the light. She found herself in a large, open chamber, with one wide

the nameless one

and blocking sight from the entrance to the nameless one, but she felt a strange power seize hold of the area around her, pressing her

carapace, the Shadow emerged, extending her limbs

Master is not tied to the Sanctum directly, and

nameless one recovered her poise and ducked her head in ascent. Of course, how foolish of her! She wasn’t a fresh recruit any longer, she knew how important it was to conceal all traces. Pheromone traces can remain

here to serve, the

shifted imperceptibly, and the

sleep, putting their troops at risk, medics are pushed to the brink, scouts run ragged, core

acid on the wisdom of the Eldest, turning

She was deeply moved.

serve so many guests at once, but my Master has confidence in you. It is the wish of my Master that you focus your energies on this task specifically. Leave all concerns regarding the defence of

nameless one

the Eldest defend the

one quickly added: with

writhed for a moment before they