A while later.
The group sat in a circle.
Not a noble-warrior-strategizing circle.
Not a somber battle-preparation circle.
No, this was a 'we-have-no-idea-what-the-hell-we're-doing' circle.
Everyone was looking at Raven like he had just said the single dumbest thing in recorded history… which, to be fair, he kind of had.
"…So let me get this straight," Rufus said slowly, counting on his fingers. "The dragon's one and only wish is—"
"To feel pain again," Raven confirmed calmly, as though he were discussing the weather.
Selena's lips quirked faintly, eyes sharp as glass. "Mm. And here I thought I'd be the only one in this group with such… interesting hobbies."
"Selena," Clara murmured in warning, though her tone was more amused than concerned.
"Cluckles agrees," the chicken said sagely, fluffing its snow-white feathers. "The lady dragon sounds… spicy."
"Cluckles," Graye said, leaning forward with glittering eyes, "are you saying we just… hit her until she's happy?"
