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.

in a familiar gesture. Come this

Shadow, she followed. Heading in the direction indicated

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

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

nameless one said in

face her, remaining side on 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 down

extending

my Master is not tied to the Sanctum directly,

head in ascent. Of course, how foolish of her! She wasn’t a fresh recruit any longer, she knew how important it

am here to serve, the nameless

ant shifted imperceptibly, and the tentacles continued

recklessness, the selfishness. Generals go without sleep, putting

thorax roar back to life. Yes. YES. The Colony spat acid on the wisdom of the Eldest, turning their eyes away from the instruction that had served them so well in the past. All within the Sanctum felt it, and now

She was deeply moved.

task to 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

one stiffened in

Eldest defend the entire

the nameless one quickly added: with the help of the three guardians, of

for a moment