Evie sets out alone toward Briar's Peak, wearing her white cloak and butterfly hair pins, aware she is walking into potential danger but driven by desperation to find a cure for her father. As she passes through the outskirts of town near Hickory Forest, she pauses under a lantern, chastising herself for being reckless. She considers contacting The Villain but has no way to reach him at this hour, even trying to will her gold employment band to work as a communication device.

Evie encounters Blade Gushiken, who also received a gold-foiled invitation. She is relieved not to be alone in this situation. As they link arms and continue down the path, Becky Erring steps out of the darkness, revealing she too received an invitation. The group compares their invitations: Evie's promises a cure (for her father), Becky's also references "looking for a cure," and Blade's simply mentions the celebration with no specific lure—he admits he came hoping for free food.

Becky argues they should report back to The Villain immediately, but Evie persuades the group to continue forward and investigate together, reasoning they are already close and can report back afterward. Becky reluctantly agrees, admitting she came despite suspecting a trap because there was a chance the promise of a cure was real. The three proceed together toward the glow of lights and noise emanating from deeper in the wooded path, acknowledging they are walking into a trap but choosing to do so with open eyes. The approaching "festivities" carry an ominous tone.