Compared with the daytime, most bees and butterflies that could pollinate flowers had already gone to rest. Plants that bloomed at night usually had strong fragrances, because no matter how beautiful the flowers were, they could not be seen in the dark. They could only rely on scent to attract passing insects and nectar-feeding bats to pollinate them.
Even more remarkable, some plants acted like mirrors, reflecting the ultrasonic waves emitted by bats clearly and powerfully, allowing them to pinpoint their location and plunge seamlessly into the flowers.
A bat's long tongue shot out like a spring and touched the nectaries of the flower bud, causing the anthers to burst open from the keel petals. The pollen coated the bat in gold, and its fur displayed an outstanding capacity for carrying pollen. One bat could equal dozens of bumblebees.
Bell-shaped flowers helped reflect echoes; they had existed long before humans cast bells. The flowers of that Black Fritillary were not large enough for a bat to fly into, but hummingbirds were not the only creatures that could hover. Bats could too.
The beating wings created a cool breeze. Unfortunately, the dungeon had no windows and was sweltering in summer. She threw off the fabric covering her and savored the faint coolness.
Before long, however, she felt hot again. She struggled uncomfortably, as if trying to shake off the oppressive heat.
Then she remembered her pajamas. They looked like something her grandmother would wear. They were fine in winter, but wearing them in summer was far too hot.
I should buy silk pajamas instead, she thought drowsily. Then she felt much cooler, as though she truly had a set of silk pajamas on.
Satisfied, she turned over and fell into an embrace. Scorching breath brushed her neck, and it felt as