21.3

Worm, Chapter 21.3 Summary:

Regent’s lair was undergoing a transformation, with stone tiles, suits of armor, and a dais with a throne. As Skitter, Regent, and Imp ventured outside, they discussed tactics. Skitter emphasized the importance of adapting to circumstances and not being predictable. Regent, however, questioned the need for constant strategizing, preferring to delegate.

Skitter wondered if Regent truly wanted to follow in his father, Heartbreaker’s, footsteps, a thought that troubled her. Imp, on the other hand, was becoming a terror in her own right, and Skitter pondered her potential future as an assassin.

Distracted by unusual movements, Skitter identified the presence of Haven and the Fallen, including Rosary and Eligos. They were clearly preparing for a fight in Regent’s territory. Skitter decided they should intervene, to avoid looking weak.

Skitter outlined the plan: Regent would take Halo, she would handle Valefor, and they would deal with Eligos together. She formed a massive swarm of insects, darkening the area and attacking Eligos and Rosary. Eligos created wind to repel the bugs, while Rosary used her power to shred the silk lines and create a car for protection.

Skitter, Regent, and Imp approached, using bugs as cover. Regent used his power to trip Eligos, allowing Skitter to bind him with silk. She then used Atlas to lift Eligos into the air with a silk thread, before dropping him to the ground, injuring him.

Rosary, now facing Skitter, was ordered to kneel. She complied, revealing her resentment. Skitter revealed that had Rosary refused, Regent would have taken control of her, even while unconscious.

Imp, under Valefor’s control, attacked Regent and Skitter but suddenly turned on Valefor, incapacitating him. Imp revealed that she had voluntarily submitted to Valefor’s control earlier, which allowed her to resist his power now.

Skitter considered their options for Valefor, ultimately deciding to use fear as a weapon. She suggested they could strip him of his powers, revealing a container of maggots and other insects. Skitter forced Valefor to look at her, and the insects crawled into his eyes, blinding him.

They marched Valefor to Rosary, who was shocked by his condition. Skitter explained that they could have saved his vision, but chose not to. They ordered Rosary to leave and not return without permission.

As they walked away, Skitter explained that the unknown was a powerful tool of fear, and that silence was often more effective than words. Regent’s response to her strategy was noncommittal, leaving Skitter to ponder their next steps and the need for a careful discussion with Grue.