"Pay attention, Storge," Bug called to the most restless of her children. While her brothers sat quietly, staring at their mother, Storge's gaze followed the honey squirrels playing at the high branches. Bug's voice made her daughter turn to her.

Today, the family took a stroll not just for the cubs' curiosity, but for a more serious reason. They followed a trail and reached the banks of a creek.

Satisfied, Bug continued, "This forest is our home. Remember that the swarm will always be at your side and love and protect you. But don't ever cross the creek. Humans live there. And humans are dangerous and vicious creatures. They kidnap pups like you and can kill adults. That's why the best thing you can do is to avoid them. Do you understand?"

They nodded, just like she had taught them. It was a lesson that could cost them their lives, so Bug made sure the pups understood her words. The mother's heart ached every time she imagined what horrors they could face if the hunters caught them.

Kindhearted approached his family, and Bug changed into her wolf form. On the other hand, Storge ran to her father and changed into human form. She hugged the wolf ant by the neck. When he lay on the ground, the girl climbed onto his back. Carefully, Kindhearted stood up, allowing his daughter to ride on. This brought Storge to indescribable delight. Laughing, she gently held the thick black fur of her father's mane, while he slowly walked beside the creek's bank. His sons were gaping at the scene for a moment, then ran to him as well. Whimpering, they jumped around, wanting a ride too. Bug could practically hear 'Not fair!' behind their high voices. The scene made her laugh. But another, far more worrying thought arose. 'I will need to teach her not to turn in front of humans. It would be best if she never met them at all, but just in case'.

Dawn, who followed her mate, invited the cubs to play, and they readily began the chase. The presence of a soldier relieved Bug's worries. Even though the village was not that close, still even approaching the creek as a border made her nervous. It was better for the cubs to return to the nest.

As if reading her thoughts, Dawn led her sons back to the path they had previously taken. She followed them behind. Kindhearted still carried Storge on his back, as if she weighed nothing. The little girl's eyes followed the honey squirrels above their heads. The small creatures leapt from one branch to another, chirping like small birds. Storge still didn't talk, but her curiosity and wit soothed her mother's worries a bit. 'Even if she remains mute all her life, she can still enjoy life with swarm,' thought Bug, but guilt still tormented her.

When they reached the nest, the cubs were already sleepy. The unusually long and exciting walk, which was nothing for a grown-up, tired them down. After putting the children to sleep, their parents went for another stroll, this time just the two of them. Kindhearted's presence calmed her down. There were many problems to deal with and a lot of hardships waiting for their children, but right now, they were still too young to be troubled by them. Before they grew up, Bug determined to find a way to at least ease some of their burdens.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice how they reached the area near the border. Absently, she looked at the riverbank and the hill. That was where she left the parasite cows, cleaning the herd. The parasites were nowhere to be seen. Deprived of the safety of wolf ants' nest, such weak creatures were an easy prey for any predator.

Bug stopped for a moment. A slight wind brought an unknown smell. The placid forest became tense from the alien presence. She sniffed, checking the surroundings for any traces, but the smell was so vague that her attempts were like a pup's attempt to catch a stork hopper's springy feather. Bug turned around.

Kindhearted didn't know this smell either, but, contrary to his mate, the wolf ant was stealing glances towards the nest. He didn't try to look around and showed no desire to find the source of the smell. His behavior puzzled Bug. And at the same time, she remembered the time when she stumbled upon a tunnel to the outside world. That memory gave her an unexpected idea.

Bug took a few steps and walked around the hill. A crevice that had been sealed by the soldiers was now open. The recent earthquake that felt weak in the nest must have been stronger here and opened the tunnel again. Bug closed her eyes and breathed in moist air. Although it was barely palpable, she confirmed her suspicions.

Something or someone came from outside.

The realization made her fur stand on end. Bugs opened her eyes. Feeling lost and confused, she stared at the tunnel. Whatever it was, it headed towards the human settlement. Moving along the river, it could reach the deepest parts of the southern territories. She imagined how she could run to the walls or even the closest village and share this information with someone in authority.

There were three possible outcomes: people could kill her by accusing her of lying; people could believe her, but they would still punish her considering the way she obtained this information; or people could spare her and even reward her. Bug could easily fancy the idea of how an unexpected finding would finally make humans acknowledge her. How she could move to the capital or become an aide to an officer commanding the defense of the wall in the South-West. This kind of fantasy was as sweet as honey squirrel's nectar, and for the first time in her life, it was actually possible to bring it to life...

A light touch of a warm nose brought her back from her thoughts. Kindhearted worriedly nuzzled in her scarlet mane. His tenderness cleared Bug's mind. She licked his ear and then playfully bit it slightly. The pair of wolves left the riverbank and headed home. Whatever has come from the outside has passed the nest indifferently. It was heading towards humans, her past world. The world she did not hold any allegiance to now. And her present - her family and home, everything dear to her - was safe. That was all that mattered.