Behavior problems...

Formation

Yuu clenched her fists, a mix of fear and resolve coursing through her. She turned to the group, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "We need answers. And I think I know where to start."

Deuce frowned. "Where?"

Yuu looked at the glowing feather in Leona's hand, then back at the mirror. "Briar Valley."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, the tension thickening.

"Are you insane?" Leona finally said, his tone a mix of disbelief and irritation. "You want to waltz into the home of the most dangerous dragon-fae clan in existence?"

Yuu didn't waver. "If that's where Malleus is, then that's where we need to go."

The room erupted into protests and warnings, but Yuu's mind was made up. She knew this wasn't going to be easy, and it might not even be safe. But she couldn't ignore the pull in her chest—the feeling that Malleus was counting on her, even if he couldn't say it himself.

The mirror flickered again, brighter this time, as though in agreement. And then, as quickly as it had begun, it went dark once more, leaving them all standing in the suffocating silence.

Yuu's resolve hardened. This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about saving Malleus—and uncovering the truth before it was too late.

The faint glow of dawn peeked through the windows, painting the room in muted hues of gold and lavender. No one had slept that night, the tension from the events clinging to the air like a storm that had yet to break. Yuu sat on the couch, staring blankly at the now-quiet mirror, her thoughts swirling like an unrelenting tide.

Deuce broke the silence, his voice hesitant but steady. "We can't just stay here and wait for something else to happen. If we're really going to the Briar Valley, we need a plan."

Ace, slouched against the armrest of the sofa, rubbed his eyes and groaned. "Yeah, and preferably one where we don't get turned into dragon snacks."

Yuu exhaled deeply, her mind made up. "We leave in two days. That gives us time to prepare—and to gather help." Her voice carried a firmness that silenced any immediate protests.

Leona leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. His golden eyes flicked toward her. "You've got guts, Herbivore. But guts alone won't save you in the Briar Valley. You're going to need more than just this ragtag group."

Vil, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "Leona's right. You'll need backup—people who can hold their own. Not just muscle, but those with intelligence and resourcefulness."

"Okay, so who?" Ruggie asked, lounging lazily on a chair but clearly paying attention. "Because I'm not about to waltz into the Briar Valley without knowing who's got my back."

Yuu glanced around the room, considering the options. "We'll recruit the people we've encountered so far—the ones we trust."

Deuce perked up. "Like who?"

Yuu began listing them off, her tone thoughtful. "Leona's already here, and so is Vil. Ruggie, you're quick on your feet and know how to scavenge. We'll need you."

Ruggie smirked, scratching the back of his neck. "Guess I'm in, but I'm packing food first. No way I'm relying on briar thorns for a meal."

Grim huffed, crossing his small arms. "I'm not going anywhere without snacks! If we're packing, I'm packing extra tuna."

"Fine," Yuu said, trying not to laugh. "Who else? What about Jamil and Kalim?"

Vil raised a brow. "Kalim would be enthusiastic, but Jamil might be more useful. He's strategic and adaptable—qualities you'll need."