The noise of the workings inside the Changeling hive was loud even at night. The hive never truly slept, not with it's need for love and emotions was never fully satisfied. The buzz of insectile wings cut into almost everything.
Everything... except for one mind.
She got to her hooves. She walked to one of the windows, occasionally giving a groan as her damaged left wing and left hind leg made themselves known.
She looked outside, in the direction of the town that had so narrowly escaped her grasp. If not for the buffalo, the inhabitants there would have been harvested for their emotions in order to feed her starving masses.
They'll pay. They'll all pay. She gave a hungry smile. Yes, they'll all pay. Celestia, Cadence, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle... That last thought was almost delicious. The buffalo too. Then her wing jerked in pain.
Oh yes, there was one she wanted badly, the one who had defied her and lead the forces that had played her the fool. Yes, she thought. She had a special treatment in mind for the monkey thing that had so far eluded her, that had defeated her and her subjects more than once... and who was responsible for her injuries.
Oh, yes, I have a special punishment in mind for you. She licked her lips. She hoped it wouldn't be long.