Deeper in the meadow, in a hidden grove, Lira spotted the largest bee—the Queen. Her wings were tattered, her golden abdomen dulled. She had not moved in days, clearly too weak to fly.
"Patricia, help me with the Queen," Lira said. Patricia knelt beside her, hands trembling slightly, while Serelyth hovered above, keeping a watchful eye on the shadows outside the grove. Maelin prepared a small vial of nectar-enhancing potion she had crafted during the journey, infused with calming herbs to soothe the Queen.
Lira cupped her hands carefully, letting the Queen crawl gently into her palms. The weight was small, almost delicate, but she felt the immense importance of it—the heart of an entire species rested here.
"Shh… you're safe," Lira whispered. She poured a few drops of the potion on the Queen's wings. Immediately, a faint golden glow returned, her movements easing, wings twitching as energy returned.
"Can she fly?" Maelin asked.
