The swarm erupted like a thunderclap, the air filling with a cacophony of wings and high-pitched buzzing that rattled Star’s nerves. She reared instinctively, her hooves flailing at the air as dozens—no, hundreds—of the little creatures darted around her. Their translucent wings glimmered faintly in the faint dungeon light, their segmented bodies like droplets of shadow swirling in a chaotic storm.

Star had only meant to pluck the strange, luminous moss from the damp wall. It had looked promising—glowing faintly blue, a clear indicator of its magical properties. She’d been so focused, so careful to ease her teeth gently around the soft strands, when she inadvertently tugged at the wrong root. The moss tore free with a crackling sound, and the chittering from deep within the cavern began, building until the swarm burst forth from the crevice like an angry flood.

Star yelped, stumbling back against the cold stone floor. Her mismatched eyes darted about as the insects closed in, brushing against her face and tickling her ears. Panic threatened to overtake her, but she forced herself to stay still for a beat, thinking through the cloud of buzzing chaos.

Her pack! She remembered the herb bundle tucked inside—ground lavender and mint, potent for calming. Not exactly meant for this purpose, but desperate times called for creative measures. Star dropped low, covering her face with one hoof while the other fumbled with the clasp of her pack. She nosed the bundle free and flung it into the air, the dried leaves scattering in the direction of the swarm. 

The scent hit the air like a cleansing wave, sharp and overwhelming. The bugs hesitated, their erratic movements faltering. Star seized the opportunity, springing to her hooves and galloping toward the narrow passage she’d entered from, her heart pounding louder than the buzz behind her.

As she slowed in the relative safety of the next chamber, she glanced back, her sides heaving. The swarm had returned to its nest, the herbs’ pungent aroma enough to send them retreating. Shaking out her mane, Star sighed deeply. 

"Well," she muttered to herself, glancing at the crumpled moss still clutched in her jaw. "At least it wasn’t for nothing."