Adam and Rosette rode through the winding forest path, the scent of damp earth and pine needles filling the crisp air. After days of hard travel, the familiar sight of village walls came into view. Relief washed over them both—but it quickly turned to concern.

Rosette hummed as she looked out of her carriage window and Adam kept an eye on her. He could tell that Rosette was happier than she had been the past few days, and her happy mood was all because of Layla.

'I hope nothing happens to make Rosette's mood once we reach the base. But somehow, I have a feeling things are going to get awkward.'

Adam sighed as he thought of what would happen next. Somehow, he could tell that his feelings would be proven right.

As they approached the village gate, a familiar face greeted them: Liora, a trusted informant and old friend of Rosette's. She waved them down, her expression tense.

"You're late, "the informant sighed as she called, her tone sharp with urgency. "Lady Mary Ann already left for the Imperial City."

Rosette's breath hitched. "What? When?"

"Two days ago," Liora answered grimly. "There was an Imperial Summon and Lady Mary Ann could not wait. She took Raziel and an unknown person with her."

Rosette clenched her fists, frustration surging through her. They'd fought tooth and nail to return in time, only to miss her by mere days.

Adam placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "We should regroup here, rest, and plan our next move. If we rush after her, we could make things worse."

Rosette pulled away, her jaw tight. "You can stay if you want. I'm going after her."

"Rosette, think this through!" Adam urged. "Charging after her without a plan—"

"I'm done waiting," she snapped. "Layla's out there, exposed. I won't sit idle while she's walking into danger."

Before he could stop her, she was already mounting her horse and galloping down the road leading to the Imperial City. Adam cursed under his breath and quickly followed, determination flaring in his eyes.

The informant looked confused at the sudden tension that had risen in the air. She looked at Adam for answers, but Adam shook his head and quickly followed after Rosette. He needed to catch up to her.

______

Layla, Mary Ann, and Raziel approached the towering gates of Clarises, the last major city before the Imperial Capital. The colossal iron gates gleamed under the afternoon sun, watched over by a squad of heavily armored sentries.

"Clarises," Mary Ann mused, her eyes scanning the bustling trade routes leading into the city. "The last checkpoint before the Imperial City."

Layla nodded thoughtfully, but her gaze remained fixed on the imposing guards stationed at the entrance. Her instincts prickled with unease.

Raziel dismounted, leading his horse forward. "Let's get through quickly. We've already attracted too much attention back in Eldermire."

As they approached the guards, a stern-looking captain stepped forward, halting them with an upraised hand. His eyes flickered with suspicion as he examined their travel-worn appearances.

"Halt! State your names and purpose for entering Clarises," he commanded.

"We're traders," Mary Ann answered smoothly, stepping forward with practiced ease. "Passing through on our way to the Imperial Capital for the upcoming Royal Ball."

The captain's brow furrowed. "Papers?"

Mary Ann hesitated, but Raziel smoothly handed over a worn but legitimate-looking merchant's charter under his alias. The captain inspected it closely, then nodded approvingly.

His gaze, however, lingered on Layla. "And her? Where are her papers?"

Layla's expression remained calm, though tension crackled beneath the surface. She realized too late that, unlike Mary Ann and Raziel, she had no forged identity prepared.

"She's our guard," Raziel interjected coolly. "A hired sword. No papers required for hired help, correct?"

The captain's eyes narrowed. "Rules have changed. Everyone entering the city must have proper identification."

Mary Ann quickly added, "Surely we can resolve this peacefully. We're on important business, after all."

The captain wasn't convinced. "If she has no papers, she doesn't enter. Orders from the Imperial Magistrate."

Layla's fingers twitched toward the hidden dagger at her waist, but Raziel subtly stepped between her and the guards, silently urging patience.

Mary Ann's eyes gleamed with sudden inspiration. "Perhaps... a small donation to the city's defense fund might smooth things over?"

The captain's expression darkened further. "Bribery is a serious offense in Clarises."

Before the situation could escalate, a commotion erupted near the gate. A cargo wagon's axle had snapped, spilling crates of goods across the busy entryway. The guards rushed to help clear the chaos, leaving the captain momentarily distracted.

"Now!" Raziel hissed.

Without hesitation, they melted into the growing crowd of merchants and travelers. Moving swiftly and deliberately, they navigated the congested market streets, blending seamlessly into the bustling throng.

When they finally reached a secluded alleyway, Layla exhaled sharply, her nerves still taut.

"That was reckless," she muttered.

Mary Ann smirked. "But effective."

Raziel's gaze hardened. "We won't be so lucky next time. We need proper papers—now."

Layla nodded. "We'll find a forger or someone willing to... adjust the records."

Before they could move on, a shadow loomed at the alley's entrance. The guard captain from earlier stood there, his expression twisted with triumph.

"Thought you could sneak past me?" he sneered, drawing his sword. "You'll regret that."

Layla's eyes blazed with cold intensity. "We'll see about that."

The streets of Clarises were about to witness a clash far more dangerous than the guards could ever have anticipated.

"Ah, I should have thought about this, but I was a little too busy attending…other matters. Oh well, it is no concern. I will take care of this. In the meantime, why don't you rest at our inn, my lady?" Mary asked in a pleasant voice as she lowered her hood.

Her familiar features earned a lot of looks and people turned her way to check her out. Layla felt a little exposed as well and decided to take this offer of disappearing among the crowd.