Evolution begins with an ant colony

With a dramatic motion of her hand, she pulled out a small, oddly shaped jar from the folds of her cloak and held it up for them to see.

The jar was made of dark, twisted glass, its surface etched with strange runes that seemed to writhe and shift as the light caught them.

Camilla uncorked the jar with a swift motion, the sound of the seal breaking echoing in the silence.

She then plunged her hand inside the jar, with an expression of twisted delight as she rummaged through its contents.

When she pulled her hand out, it was coated in a thick, slimy substance that glistened in the dim light.

Clutched in her grasp was a wriggling, grotesque worm, its segmented body squirming in her palm.

Tatilia's wings twitched with disgust as she glared at the creature.

"What the hell is that?" Find your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

Camilla's eyes gleamed as she held the worm up for them to see, letting the creature squirm and twist in her hand.

"This, my dear, is the key to your new purpose. You see, you won't just be sold as slaves to those nobles. No, you're going to become the very instruments of their destruction."

Hestria's eyes widened in shock, her voice filled with a touch of horror and anger.

"You're going to turn us into demons..."

"Precisely."

Camilla purred, her tone filled with satisfaction.

"These little beauties here are demon parasites. Once they're inside you, they'll turn you into demons, loyal only to me and my lord. And when those nobles bring you into their homes, parading you around as their prizes, you'll tear them apart from within. The chaos you'll unleash will weaken this empire, making it ripe for destruction."

Azara felt a surge of anger rise in her chest, her hands clenching into fists as she tried to pull against the collar that restricted her mana.

"You won't get away with this! We won't let you!"

Camilla smirked, her confidence unshaken. "I already have. You're in no position to resist, not with those collars draining your power. Soon, you'll be nothing more than puppets for my lord's will."

Tatilia's wings flared with fury as she struggled, but the collars around their necks wouldn't budge, sapping their strength with every movement. Camilla's laughter echoed through the cell as she watched their futile efforts, the worm in her hand still writhing eagerly.

"Now, let's begin, shall we?"

"Which one of you should I start with first?"

The three women exchanged grim looks, knowing they had to find a way out of this nightmare before it was too late.

But as Camilla approached with the writhing worm in hand, the reality of their situation weighed down on them, and they knew they were running out of time.

...

In the heart of Elvendell, the towering tree castle rose majestically above the forest canopy, its massive roots intertwining with the earth and stretching into the sky.

The air was thick with anticipation as the elves of the kingdom gathered around its base, their elegant bodies bathed in the soft glow of the moon. The trees themselves seemed to lean in, as if listening intently to the momentous occasion.

At the front of the grand assembly, Queen Elyndra stood upon the balcony of the castle's highest platform. Her flowing blond hair cascaded down her back, shimmering in the fading daylight, and her emerald eyes held a depth of wisdom that only centuries could bring.

Clad in robes of deep green and gold, the queen gave off an aura of grace. Her presence commanded the attention of every elf gathered below.

Elyndra raised her hand, a simple gesture that immediately hushed the crowd. The elves, numbering in the hundreds, stood in silence, their eyes fixed on their queen.

Among them, elder warriors, ancient druids, and young elves who had never known any ruler but Elyndra watched. They knew this day was special—one that would mark the beginning of a new era.

The queen's voice was soft as she spoke.

"People of Elvendell..."

"...it has been my honor to lead you for centuries, to guide our people through times of peace and conflict, joy and hardship. But as all things must, even my reign draws to its rightful end."

A murmur swept through the crowd, not of surprise, but of acknowledgment. The elves had sensed this coming for some time, though it did not lessen the weight of the moment.

Elyndra continued, her gaze sweeping across the sea of faces.

"I have lived for six hundred and eighty years..."

"...and though the strength of the forest still courses through me, I believe it is time for new hands to guide our people. A new vision to carry forth the will of our goddess, and a new voice to sing our future into existence."

She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in.

"It is with great pride and love..."

"...that I now pass the mantle of leadership to my firstborn daughter, Lyrielle, blessed by the goddess of life, to continue our sacred duty. She has been prepared, not only by my teachings, but by the very blessing of the goddess herself. She will lead with wisdom, strength, and compassion, and I have no doubt that under her rule, Elvendell will continue to flourish."

As Elyndra spoke, a figure stepped forward from the shadows of the great tree. Princess Lyrielle, tall and regal, with her mother's blond hair and a youthful, fierce beauty, approached the edge of the balcony.

Her eyes, however, were a radiant gold—a mark of the goddess's blessing. Dressed in robes of green and designed with vines and flowers that pulsed with a faint glow, she embodied the life that her people cherished and protected.

Meanwhile...

In the shadows of the distant treeline, Ark stood, his gaze fixed on the grand ceremony unfolding at the base of the colossal wooden tree castle.

The gathering of elves, their joyous cheers, and the regal figure of Queen Lyrielle stepping forward to accept her new role—all of it painted a picture of peace and prosperity. Yet, Ark's mind was far from at ease.

Standing beside him was his mother, Chrono Nexus, her eyes fixed on the unfolding ceremony.

"That's her," Ark muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The first vessel, princess—Lyrielle."

Chrono Nexus tilted her head, her gold hair floating as if carried by an invisible breeze.

Despite her usual playful demeanor, there was an unusual seriousness in her tone now.

"Hmmm, her makeup doesn't seem that different from that of the other elves. I wonder what exactly about her would make her capable of housing the †Authority† of a god..."

"Well, I guess satisfying my curiosity can wait."

"If we want to ensure her safety… we may not be able to wait for the ceremony to end."

Ark clenched his fists, feeling the tension growing in the air around them. He could sense it—something dark looming just beyond the horizon, like a storm gathering strength.

"Do you feel it?" Chrono Nexus asked.

"The demons will be attacking soon. They've been preparing for this, waiting for this very moment when the elves are most vulnerable. They know the ceremony would be their perfect opportunity."

"I know, mother."

Ark nodded slowly, his eyes still locked on Lyrielle, who was now speaking to her people with confidence. The young queen had no idea what was coming for her.

"Besides just the demons that have arrived..."

Ark said, tilting his head upwards to look at what seemed to be a crack in the sky that was slowly spreading.

"It seems the †Rulers† have arrived as well."

"I believe I can leave securing the princess to you, mother..."