Aurelia’s consciousness stirred slowly, her body aching as she fought to open her eyes. Every part of her felt heavy, like a leaden weight pressing her down. The memory of the battle with the wasps flashed before her—the swarm closing in, overwhelming her with sheer numbers. Her body had been battered, her energy drained.

She blinked, her vision adjusting to the dim, hazy glow around her. The chamber was vast but confined, made of a thick, wax-like material that pulsed faintly with a strange energy. She was inside the wasp nest. She could feel it—the oppressive atmosphere, the thick scent of venom in the air, the constant buzzing of wings just outside the chamber.

Her legs twitched as she tried to move. Pain shot through her body, but her Poison Resistance had dulled the worst of the venom. Still, she wasn’t at full strength, and her Guardian’s Aura flickered weakly around her, barely keeping her stable.

Aurelia’s mind sharpened with panic. Telepathy. She reached out instinctively, seeking Caelum. She focused all her energy, pushing her thoughts outward.

Caelum… where are you? she called out, her mental voice strained with pain.

Silence answered her. The thick walls of the nest and the distance between them seemed to block the connection. She tried again, but her mind only met a faint, distant echo of his presence. He was alive—she could feel that much—but he was too far away to respond. She was truly alone.

Her eyes moved around the chamber, taking in her surroundings. She was confined, the entrance sealed by layers of sticky, web-like resin. A faint glow from the resin’s strange energy lit the space. Her wings buzzed weakly, but she couldn’t move much. Escape was impossible in her current state. She was trapped.

Then she felt it—a looming, heavy presence.

The Queen Wasp.

Aurelia didn’t need to see her to know she was there. The overwhelming pressure of the Queen’s mind pressed against her own, the raw force of her telepathic presence flooding the chamber. Aurelia tensed, her antennae twitching as she struggled to brace herself.

The Queen entered the chamber, her massive form casting a long shadow over Aurelia. Her dark, chitinous body gleamed in the low light, and her multifaceted eyes locked onto Aurelia with cold calculation. Unlike the other wasps, there was intelligence—cruel and sharp—behind those eyes.

Aurelia felt the Queen’s thoughts brush against her own, invasive and overpowering.

So, you’re awake, the Queen’s telepathic voice whispered, sharp and precise, like a blade cutting through the air. It wasn’t a question, but a statement.

Aurelia recoiled at the strength of the telepathic connection. She tried to gather her thoughts, but the Queen’s presence bore down on her, oppressive and relentless. She didn’t need to say much—her will pressed into Aurelia’s mind with a force that made it difficult to think.

You fought well, the Queen continued, her mental voice laced with amusement, as if mocking Aurelia’s resistance. But it wasn’t enough, was it? You are mine now.

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Aurelia’s heart pounded, her body still too weak to resist. But she wouldn’t let the Queen see her fear. What do you want with me? Aurelia sent back, her telepathic voice steady, though her mind screamed with pain from the exertion.

The Queen’s wings buzzed softly as she circled Aurelia, her thoughts dark and cold. You and your companion… you are different. I can sense it. Her mental voice wrapped around Aurelia like a tightening web, squeezing tighter with every word. Your power. It is buried now, but it will grow. And when it does, it will be mine to control.

Aurelia’s mind raced. The Queen knew. She could feel the latent abilities within Aurelia—abilities that came from her reincarnation, from the strange magic that lingered within her body. But the Queen couldn’t fully understand what she was sensing. Not yet.

Aurelia focused on pushing back, her telepathy sharp and defiant. You’ll never control me. I won’t let you.

The Queen’s laugh echoed through the chamber, her mental voice chilling. You think you have a choice? Her cold amusement turned darker. There will be a ritual. Soon. A ceremony that will unlock your power… for me.

Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat. A ritual? What did that mean? She had heard the wasps mention something before she lost consciousness, but she hadn’t understood. Now, the pieces were coming together. The Queen planned to use her—maybe even drain her power entirely. She needed Aurelia for something more than just a captive.

You’ll never get what you want, Aurelia shot back, her mind burning with defiance. Caelum will come for me. You’ll regret this.

The Queen’s gaze darkened, her wings buzzing more loudly now as she loomed closer. Her presence pressed harder against Aurelia’s mind, almost suffocating. Your friend will not save you. He will fall just like you did.

The Queen finally pulled back, her mental presence retreating slightly, though the pressure in the room remained thick. She moved toward the entrance of the chamber, pausing for a moment before sending one final, chilling thought.

Prepare her for the ritual, she commanded, though no other wasps would truly understand her meaning. Her mental voice was directed at the drones nearby, who moved according to instinct, not understanding the deeper plan but following the Queen’s will nonetheless.

Aurelia’s mind whirled with panic as the Queen left the chamber. The drones buzzed outside, guarding the chamber without thought or reason. They were mere puppets, acting on instinct, but the Queen had full control.

Aurelia’s breath came in shallow gasps as she tried to process what had just happened. The Queen had plans for her—dark, twisted plans. Aurelia couldn’t wait for Caelum. She had to escape before the ritual. Before whatever twisted ceremony the Queen had in mind.

She looked toward the entrance, studying the thick resin that blocked her path. Her Sting could cut through it, but she was too weak to move fast enough. The moment she made an attempt, the drones would descend on her. But she didn’t have a choice. She couldn’t stay here and let the Queen’s plan unfold.

With a deep breath, Aurelia focused on regaining her strength. Her body still ached, her injuries still healing, but she had no time to rest. She would need to act soon. One chance, one moment where she could slip past the drones and escape.

I’ll find you, Caelum, Aurelia whispered to herself, her determination hardening. And I’ll make sure that Queen pays.