𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧 !

「 𝟎 𝟐 𝟏 」

The infiltration was successful, but even after heaving new of the Cloud Rain society being under attack, there has been no signs of life within the manor. Yi Zaha waits by the door, trying to hear for any signs of life, but to no avail. 

He sighs, walking back to where you and your junior brothers sat in silence. 

"I guess the jig is up."

"Then let's head inside and put an end to this." You speak, tapping an impatient finger against your thighs. 

"No." Yi Zaha shakes his head, "It looks like I underestimated the elder too much. All of you, stand by here and I will go inside alone."

Everyone calls for him in confusion, but cannot oppose his decision, only watching as he walks away with a wave of his hand. You frown, knowing he wouldn't be killed easily, but the Elder Hornless Dragon King is a man full of trickery. 

He pauses by the door, looking down at his clothes before quickly walking back to change into his signature black robes. Well, there isn't much use in disguise when your enemy already knows who you are. 

He walks in the manor, the doors closing behind him.

"Sister, do you have feelings for Great brother?" White Rooster piques shamelessly, prompting the other generals to look your away. He giggles, looking at your horrified face, covering his mouth with a fan. 

You melt under their instense gazes, each patiently waiting for an answer. 

"Sister, it is alright if you do. I see goodness in him, however if you could choose a more sane man.."

"I guess even sister Mantis could not resist his strange charms."

"Sister, be careful. He might put laxatives in your food."

You groan, covering your ears with both your hands. They chuckle, ignoring the pointed glare you send their way. Despite being your juniors, they have a habit of teasing you like you were the little sibling amongst them. 

You notice Gunpyeong awkwardly sitting by the side, staring at the manor with an uneasy face. 

Then you hear loud bursts of crashing and loud thuds from within the walls, the occasional shouting and clashing of swords resonating within the air. 

Their fight has begun.

"What could possibly be happening in their for the sounds of two boulders clashing to be resonating around the forest?" He mutters, brows creasing together. 

"Elder Hornless Dragon King is fond of traps." You hum, bringing your hands down to your lap, "Union master is probably destroying them as we speak."

As if on cue, a large wall of vines and deer thorns rise up, adding height to the tall concrete walls surrounding the manor. The sheer thickness won't allow anyone to enter or leave—Elder Hornless Dragon has Yi Zaha trapped in there.

But who's really stuck with who?

At takes a few minutes before the leaves errupt in violent flames. The same flames you'd seen during the battle against both elders underneath that moonlight. They grow taller and taller—hotter and hotter as your brothers around you begin to panic.  Where is the fire coming from? Is Yi Zaha safe—alive? What of the Elder Hornless Dragon King? Has he gone and met his maker? 

"Should we go and check on master?" Gunpyeong stands, clutching his sword. 

You nod, following closely.

The moment you step inside, the fire has consumed nearly everything.

When you and your brothers step past the scorched threshold of the manor, smoke curls around your feet like ghosts trying to pull you back. The heat is unbearable, rising in waves, turning breath into ash. The halls are warped by flame—timber cracked and bleeding embers, metal buckled and shrieking as it twists in agony.