Layla, Raziel, and Mary sat in the dimly lit common room of the Broken Stag Inn, their captive, Knight Captain Eldric, still unconscious and tied to a sturdy chair in the corner. The trio exchanged tense glances, each trying to anticipate the fallout from their recent actions.

Raziel leaned back, his arms crossed. "This feels too quiet. Someone like that captain won't go missing without stirring the hornet's nest."

Mary sighed, glancing toward the window. "Agreed. Lord Brighton isn't the kind to let something like this slide. We've made ourselves targets."

Layla, seated at the table, toyed with her empty teacup, her eyes fixed on Eldric. "We needed answers. This was the quickest way to get them." Her tone was calm but carried an edge of frustration. "If Brighton does come for him, it just proves we were right to question his authority."

Raziel tilted his head. "True, but it also means we're about to have a fight on our hands. Are we ready for that?"

Before Layla could respond, Eldric stirred, groaning as his head lolled forward. His eyes fluttered open, disoriented for a moment before his gaze sharpened, and he realized his predicament. His expression darkened.

"Unhand me," he demanded, though the ropes binding his wrists and ankles made his authority seem hollow.

Layla stood and stepped closer, her presence commanding. "You're in no position to make demands, Captain. Start talking—why did Brighton order my capture?"

Eldric scowled, pulling at his restraints. "You won't get away with this. The lord's men will be here any moment, and when they find you—"

"Spare us the threats," Raziel cut in, his tone cold. "You've already lost the upper hand."

Mary, standing by the door, kept watch while Layla continued. "What does Brighton gain by targeting me? He doesn't even know who I am."

Eldric hesitated, his jaw tightening. He averted his eyes, the conflict in his expression clear. "It's nothing personal. You just… looked the part. Noble. Wealthy. He figured your family would pay a hefty ransom to get you back."

Layla's lips curled into a mirthless smile. "So this is just business to him? Extortion and kidnapping for profit?"

Eldric didn't reply, his silence confirming her assumption.

Raziel scoffed. "He picked the wrong target."

Mary glanced over her shoulder. "If Brighton really sees people as nothing more than coin purses to exploit, this city has deeper problems than we thought."

Layla straightened, her expression firm. "Brighton's actions make him dangerous. We'll need to deal with him before he causes more harm."

The conversation was cut short by the distant sound of heavy boots echoing down the street. Mary's eyes narrowed as she peered out the window. "They're here."

Eldric smirked despite his predicament. "I told you. You should have let me go."

Raziel stepped forward, towering over the captive. "Oh, they'll find you—trussed up and humiliated."

The guards approached the inn, their torches casting flickering light across the cobblestones. Mary turned to Layla. "What's the plan? Fight or flee?"

Layla considered for a moment before her eyes locked onto Eldric. "We're not running. If Brighton wants a confrontation, he'll get one—but on our terms."

As the first knock thundered on the inn's door, the trio prepared themselves for the inevitable clash.

______

The sun was high, casting its rays over the plaza outside the Broken Stag Inn. Lord Bragaton's entourage arrived in force, their gleaming armor and vibrant banners signaling their importance.

The lord himself descended from his carriage with the air of a man accustomed to obedience. His face, framed by a meticulously groomed beard, was stern and calculating as his gaze swept over the gathering.

Layla, Raziel, and Mary stood waiting. Behind them, the innkeeper peered nervously from the doorway, clearly hoping to avoid being dragged into whatever confrontation was brewing.

Knight Captain Eldric remained bound but seated on a chair beside them, his expression tight with both humiliation and hope as his comrades approached.

Lord Bragaton wasted no time. "Release my knight captain," he demanded, his voice carrying a mix of authority and irritation. "And pay the fine for assaulting the city guard and causing unrest in my territory. Perhaps then I'll overlook your… trespasses."

Layla stepped forward, her calm composure contrasting sharply with the lord's haughty demeanor. "Your knight captain attempted to detain me under false pretenses and without cause. I owe you nothing, Lord Bragaton."

The lord's brows lifted slightly at her boldness, but he quickly recovered. "You speak as though you're in a position to bargain, girl. My patience is thin, and my men outnumber you. Release him, or I will have you thrown into the same cell you so rudely vacated."

Raziel's hand hovered near his sword, his eyes sharp and ready, but Layla raised a hand to signal restraint. Her gaze never wavered as she addressed Bragaton. "You don't seem to grasp the situation, my lord. Eldric admitted that I was targeted for ransom. That, in itself, is a crime."

Bragaton's expression darkened, but before he could retort, his eyes narrowed, studying Layla more intently. There was something familiar in her stance, her voice, and her striking features. For a fleeting moment, his mask of arrogance faltered, replaced by surprise.

"You…" he muttered, almost to himself. "You look…"

He stopped himself, his calculating mind regaining control. He had almost blurted out his suspicion—how much she resembled the royal family.

But if she truly was connected to them, why was she here, causing disruptions in his territory? If she wasn't, he risked provoking someone of unknown but potentially dangerous power.

Layla noticed the pause but chose not to press him on it. Instead, she tilted her head. "You seem surprised, Lord Bragaton. Do you recognize me?"

Bragaton straightened, his expression once again impassive. "I recognize arrogance when I see it, and yours is unwarranted. Let this be my final warning. Release my knight captain, or I will take him by force."

Raziel chuckled darkly. "You're welcome to try."

The tension thickened as the lord's soldiers shifted in their armor, readying for a fight. Eldric's hopeful glance darted between his lord and captors, his loyalty unwavering but his confidence in their success clearly shaken.

Mary, standing beside Layla, leaned in and whispered, "We can't fight them all here without causing chaos."

Layla nodded slightly. She stepped closer to Bragaton, her voice steady and deliberate. "You think your title gives you the right to exploit your people and silence anyone who dares question you. That ends today."

Bragaton's eyes flared with anger, but there was a flicker of hesitation. He still couldn't shake the sense of familiarity, and it made him cautious.

"You overstep, girl," he hissed. "But if you insist on testing me, so be it. Guards!"

At his command, the soldiers began to advance. Layla stood her ground, her sharp gaze locked onto Bragaton. Raziel's blade was already drawn, Mary prepared a defensive stance, and the crowd of onlookers grew tense, whispers rippling through them.

Before anyone could strike, Layla raised her voice, projecting authority that made even Bragaton's men hesitate. "Lord Bragaton, this is your last chance to step back and rethink your actions. If you continue down this path, you'll regret it."

Bragaton's lips curled into a sneer, but his inner turmoil was clear. Who was this woman, and why did she hold herself with such confidence? Still, his pride and position demanded that he not back down. With a flick of his hand, he ordered his men forward.

Layla's heart raced, but her resolve remained unshaken. Whatever Bragaton's suspicions were, she would not yield. Today, she would make it clear that she was not someone to be trifled with.

______

The story is reaching it's end soon. Maybe by the end of this month. there was a lot I wanted to write, but all of my thoughts have left my brain.