Nyx spoke without hesitation, ignoring the Ant King's intimidating form. "For your strength, loyalty, and leadership over the great ant Colony, you are appointed Deputy General of the Royal Army, second-in-command under General Hans."
The crowd gasped with surprise, then approval. It wasn't normal to give a beast such a title, but this was no ordinary beast.
"In battle," Nyx continued, "you will coordinate directly with General Hans. Our enemies will face both human strategy and the power of your colony. Your duty is to make sure the ants fight as one with our human soldiers."
The Ant King's mandibles twitched. He placed a claw across his chest in a salute he had copied from humans. The gesture looked strange, but it carried weight. A low chittering followed, and though most didn't understand, Nox did—it was a pledge of loyalty.
Pride swelled in Nox's chest. Who could have imagined this? A massive insect, once feared, now stood among humans as a recognized officer.
