Two Queens (Eli's World)

For a hundred years, they lived in peace and safety within their nest. But now, fear spreads like an unseen shadow. Young butterfly girl Maha begins to understand that their home faces a terrible danger. In the fight for survival, the community must confront ancient legends, unexpected choices, and great sacrifices. Only strong friendship, courage, and hope stand between them and complete destruction…
Adventure stand-alone novella from Eli’s World for 9–14-year-old readers.

There was a cracking sound from the forest on the northern side. Several trees shook and fell. Something huge was making its way through the forest. Then, above the crowns of the maples appeared the monstrous head of a green-eyed mantis. It stopped, surveyed the Nest, and headed toward the edge of the clearing.
The undergrowth parted, and several broken branches fell to the ground. The queen stepped into the clearing.
They stared at her. The first thing that struck Ota was how enormous she was. She stood on powerful hind legs, with long saw-like teeth growing from their back sides. Her green body glistened slightly and seemed entirely covered in a hardened carapace. She held her front limbs up in a greeting gesture, each ending in long, jagged blades.