Layla emerged from the wreckage of the prison with a steady, determined stride, her piercing gaze scanning her surroundings. The chaos she expected to encounter—a flurry of guards scrambling to recapture her—was conspicuously absent. Instead, the courtyard was eerily quiet, save for the occasional groan of an unconscious guard sprawled across the ground.

Her sharp eyes swept over the scene, noting the precision with which the guards had been taken down. There were no signs of needless violence—just swift, incapacitating strikes. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Raziel and Mary. They've been busy.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the duo appeared from the shadows, their steps confident and purposeful. Raziel's blade was sheathed but still radiated menace, while Mary wore her usual calm yet resolute expression.

"Making quite the statement, aren't you?" Mary teased lightly, her tone laced with approval.

Layla crossed her arms, her smirk widening. "I could say the same to you. Seems like you had fun clearing the path."

Raziel shrugged. "Figured we'd save you some trouble. You're welcome."

Layla nodded appreciatively, though her tone turned serious. "We need to move quickly. The guards will regroup soon."

Mary stepped closer, her voice low but urgent. "Agreed. Let's get somewhere safe before they reorganize."

Meanwhile, in the heart of the barracks, the Knight Captain was pacing furiously. His sharp features were contorted with rage, and his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Reports of Layla's escape had reached him moments ago, and the news of his guards being systematically incapacitated only deepened his anger.

"She escaped? Again?" he growled, his voice a dangerous rumble. The other guards in the room exchanged nervous glances, unwilling to meet his glare. "And you let her walk out?"

"Captain," one of the guards stammered, "we—she destroyed the cell and—"

"Spare me your excuses!" the Captain barked, slamming his fist onto the table. "A criminal like her cannot be allowed to roam free. Prepare the horses. I'll handle this personally."

The guards scattered to obey, leaving the Captain to don his armor and sword with a grim determination. His pride and reputation were on the line, and he would not rest until Layla was back behind bars.

______

Layla, Raziel, and Mary had barely made it to a quiet alley when the sounds of approaching hooves echoed through the streets. The Knight Captain, leading a small group of mounted guards, was relentless in his pursuit. He dismounted swiftly, his eyes scanning the area with the precision of a seasoned hunter.

"They're close," he muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Raziel, sensing the Captain's presence, turned to Layla and Mary. "Stay here," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll deal with him."

Mary arched an eyebrow. "Don't take too long."

Raziel smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The Knight Captain's search was cut short as Raziel stepped into the open, his expression calm but his stance radiating quiet menace.

"You've caused enough trouble for one night," the Captain growled, drawing his sword. "Surrender now, and I might go easy on you."

Raziel tilted his head, his smirk widening. "I think we both know that's not going to happen."

The Captain lunged, his blade flashing in the dim light. Raziel met him head-on, his movements fluid and precise. The clash of steel echoed through the street as the two men exchanged blows, their skill evident in every calculated strike and parry.

The Captain was strong and aggressive, his strikes heavy with intent. But Raziel was faster, his footwork and agility giving him the edge. With a quick feint and a sharp twist, Raziel disarmed the Captain, sending his sword clattering to the ground.

Before the Captain could react, Raziel knocked him to the ground, pinning him with ease. "That's enough out of you," he said, his voice cold and steady.

The Captain struggled, his pride refusing to let him admit defeat. "You'll regret this."

Raziel leaned closer, his grip unyielding. "You're in no position to make threats."

Moments later, Raziel dragged the unconscious Captain back to the alley where Layla and Mary were waiting. Mary raised an eyebrow at the sight, while Layla crossed her arms, a hint of amusement in her gaze.

"Didn't take you long," Layla remarked.

Raziel shrugged. "He wasn't much of a challenge."

Mary smirked. "Now we have someone to question."

Layla stepped forward, her expression turning serious. "Good. Let's find out who's really behind all this."

______

As the trio prepared to interrogate their captive, the tension in the air was palpable. The night wasn't over yet, and they knew the answers they sought would only bring more danger their way.

The trio moved swiftly through the quiet streets, the bagged and unconscious form of the Knight Captain slung over Raziel's shoulder. The weight didn't bother him, but the awkward bulk drew curious glances from passersby.

Mary kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her sharp gaze daring anyone to approach or ask questions. Layla, walking slightly ahead, remained calm, her mind racing with questions about what this incident meant for their larger goals.

As they entered the inn, the familiar smell of stew and burning wood from the hearth greeted them, but the subdued murmurs of the patrons died the moment they stepped through the door.

Every eye in the room turned toward the trio, drawn not just by their dramatic re-entrance but also by the conspicuous bag Raziel carried.

The innkeeper, a wiry man with a sharp nose and a tendency to meddle, darted forward, his brow furrowed with suspicion.

"Late night, isn't it?" he said, his gaze fixed on the bag. "What've you got there? Looks heavy."

Raziel barely paused, shifting the bag slightly on his shoulder. "Luggage."

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Luggage, eh? Bit odd to carry it like that."

"Bit odd to ask questions about something that's not your business," Raziel replied coolly, brushing past him without further acknowledgment.

The innkeeper, clearly unsettled by Raziel's tone, stepped back with a huff, deciding it was best not to press further. The trio made their way upstairs, ignoring the murmurs that sprang up in their wake.