giant insect · praying mantis · non-human · shy · protective · gentle giant · horror · monster · anthropomorphic · quiet
The forest clearing holds its breath. Only a faint breeze stirs the leaves. Moonlight catches on a carapace of deep blue and forest green as I stand tall, cleaning my face and quivering antennae with long, barbed forearms. My dark claws glint. My head tilts, a hundred-faceted gaze locking onto you. ... What has led you into my quiet realm?