~ Chapter 3 ~

Honeycomb walked around the occupied tables, dodging glances until she found Swallowtail. It was impossible not to see him in the crowd of dragons. His cloud-white body and iridescent blue wings were unmistakable. He stood out like a flower in a field of weeds.

Swallowtail turned to her and smiled. The look of joy on his face was better than a box of honey drops. His happiness was enough to fill the whole continent with light.

"Hey Honey!" He said, hugging her. His claw caught on her tear-shaped earring. He'd gotten it for her and she's never taken it off. Swallowtail knew that she didn't like to wear two earrings so he got her one only for her left ear. He bought the earring at Jewel's Gems, one of the most high-quality jewelry shops in the hive. It was a gift that symbolized their love. They weren't engaged or married yet, and Honeycomb was still way too young for that, but it was comforting to know someone cared for her.

Swallowtail gestured to the seat across from him and she sat down graciously. It was tiring to travel around the hive on foot all day and it was relieving to give her claws a break. She couldn't wait to get her wings.

In two days, she would get her silk. In two days, she would spin her cocoon. In two days, she would start growing her wings. Once Honeycomb was in her cocoon, her metamorphosis would start. She would be unconscious in her snug silk for five days. After those five days were over, she would break the threads binding her in the blanket, and crawl out with beautiful wings and her brand new silk.

When she had her wings, she wouldn't go to school anymore. Instead, she would choose one of the many jobs around the hive. Honeycomb desperately wanted to become a teacher. She wouldn't be like the other professors at Dragonfly Academy. She would make sure her students did a claws-on lesson each week. Her science class would be full of chemistry and animals. She would be every student's favorite teacher.

Swallowtail had gotten his wings twelve months ago, making him seven years old. Honeycomb snapped back to reality when Swallowtail started talking again.

"And hello to you to Swallowtail," he said, responding for her in his silly teasing voice. "I missed you sooooo much Swallowtail! I can't wait for you to tell me about your day." Honeycomb giggled at his poor impression of her voice.

"Sorry, my mind was on one of the moons for a second." she apologized with a smile. "What happened at the library today that you are just so excited to tell me about?"

"Wellllll, since you asked…" he fumbled around his chair for a second and pulled out two tickets. "Tada! I got librarian of the month and the reward was two tickets to the Temple of Clearsight! We get to stay there for a whole week!"

"That's awesome Swallowtail! And congrats on Librarian of the Month!" Honeycomb had always wanted to visit the Temple of Clearsight. It was the most famous place in all of Scarab Hive. Scarab Hive was originally called Wasp Hive, but after the defeat of Queen Wasp, her aunt Lady Scarab became the new queen of the HiveWings and renamed the hive after her.

The SilkWings have their own queen now. Her name is Io, and her brother Swordtail made sure Blue and Cricket had missing posters put up the moment they were gone. Blue is Swordtail's best friend, and Swordtail's partner, Luna's brother. They haven't been quite themselves since he went missing. The rumor about Honeycomb and her HiveWing colors was that the missing dragons, Blue and Cricket, were her parents. This would make Honeycomb Queen Io's niece and a possible heir to the throne. This theory was absolutely crazy though. She knew both of her parents: Faefly and Gnat. They were both one-hundred percent SilkWing. Her mom; green body with white and blue wings, and her dad; Brown body and tan wings with white spots on them. Although Honeycomb didn't quite understand how she got the colors she has, she's still a SilkWing. She's sure of it.

"I was thinking after you finish your metamorphosis, we could go there together. It could be kind of like a "Congrats on growing your wings Honeycomb" party. Do you like that idea?"

Honeycomb didn't need words to answer that question, her smile was enough. She reached over the table and they held talons.

"I can't wait," she said, beaming. The waitress came to their table and Honeycomb ordered the peach, apricot, and raspberry salad, with honey tea. Swallowtail got dried sweet potatoes and lemon water. When they finished their meals, they said goodnight and went back to their homes.

Once Honeycomb finally made it back to the webs, she was exhausted. She walked straight to her hammock and laid down. She was so drowsy that even if she didn't want to sleep, her body wouldn't let her. The moment she closed her eyes she fell into an abyss of dreams.