The inn's quiet return to normalcy after the previous chaos was short-lived. Though the public challenges ceased, the resentment toward Layla simmered just beneath the surface.

Her firm stance and unapologetic attitude had rubbed many locals the wrong way, and it wasn't long before the gossiping whispers turned into bitter plans.

Unable to take on Mary due to her overwhelming strength, the discontented residents decided to focus their frustrations on the seemingly more approachable Layla.

The tension was palpable as Layla walked through the streets of Verdeti, the bustling city of pleasure now feeling much less welcoming.

She noticed the occasional cold glare or whispered remark as she passed. While she could sense the animosity brewing, she wasn't particularly concerned. She had dealt with far worse, and a few disgruntled townsfolk didn't seem like much of a threat.

However, the situation escalated faster than Layla expected.

Late in the evening, Layla found herself wandering through one of the quieter districts, seeking a moment of solitude. Mary and Raziel had urged her to remain close to the inn, but Layla needed time to clear her head. The city's lights and distant music seemed to mock her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

She turned a corner into an alleyway, hoping for a shortcut back to the inn, when several figures emerged from the shadows, blocking her path. A quick glance behind her revealed more figures, effectively cutting off her escape route.

The leader of the group stepped forward, a smirk plastered across his face. "Well, well, look who decided to take a stroll alone. Thought you could just waltz around here with that attitude and not face any consequences?"

Layla sighed, crossing her arms. "If you have a problem with me, say it outright. I don't have time for games."

Her dismissive tone only fueled their anger. The leader sneered. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're not as untouchable as your little bodyguard. Let's see how tough you really are without her."

Layla's eyes darted between her opponents, quickly assessing their numbers and stances. They were untrained, clearly relying on numbers rather than skill.

Ordinarily, she would have dealt with them in seconds, but her current predicament was more complicated. These were regular townsfolk, not hardened criminals or enemies. She couldn't risk severely injuring or accidentally killing any of them, especially not in a city as politically charged as Verdeti.

"Last chance," she warned, her voice calm but firm. "Walk away before this gets ugly."

The thugs laughed, their confidence bolstered by their numbers. "Oh, we're not going anywhere," the leader said, motioning for his crew to close in.

Layla gritted her teeth. She could take them all down, but her restraint put her at a disadvantage. Dodging the first swing, she quickly sidestepped a second attacker, delivering a calculated strike to his knee that sent him sprawling but left him unharmed.

Another thug lunged at her, and she ducked, using his momentum to toss him into a pile of crates.

Despite her best efforts, the sheer number of assailants began to wear her down. She couldn't afford to unleash her full strength, and the thugs took advantage of her caution. Before long, Layla found herself backed against a wall, her options dwindling.

The leader stepped forward again, holding a crude weapon in his hand. "You're tougher than you look, I'll give you that," he admitted, his smirk turning into a scowl. "But it's over now."

Layla's mind raced. She couldn't allow herself to be captured or harmed, but she also couldn't escalate the situation further. As the group closed in, a thought struck her—a way to end this without leaving any lasting harm or consequences.

With a flick of her wrist, Layla summoned Luna, her dragon companion. The small, shimmering creature appeared on her shoulder, invisible to anyone without magical perception. Layla muttered a quick command, and Luna's form shimmered into view, her scales gleaming faintly in the dim alley light.

The thugs froze, their eyes widening in disbelief as they stared at the creature perched on Layla's shoulder. Luna let out a low, guttural growl, her eyes glowing ominously as her wings unfurled.

"What… what the hell is that?" one of the thugs stammered, taking a step back.

"It's a dragon," Layla said simply, her tone cold. "And it doesn't like being threatened."

Luna reared back slightly, opening her mouth to reveal a flicker of magical energy gathering in her throat. The thugs didn't need any further convincing. Panic set in as they stumbled over each other in their haste to retreat, their bravado replaced by sheer terror.

"Stay away from me," Layla called after them, her voice carrying an edge of authority. "And don't bother telling anyone what you saw. No one will believe you."

Once the alley was clear, Layla exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing. Luna chirped softly, nuzzling against her cheek in a comforting gesture. "Thanks, Luna," Layla said, giving the dragon a small smile. "You were perfect."

Luna made a soft growling noise in response before disappearing back into her invisible form. Layla straightened her posture and began making her way back to the inn, her expression unreadable.

By the time Layla returned to her room, she found Mary and Raziel waiting for her, both of them looking slightly concerned.

"You're late," Raziel said, crossing his arms. "What happened?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Layla replied, brushing past him.

Mary raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to tell us why you smell like fear and desperation?"

Layla shot her a glare. "It's handled. That's all that matters."

Mary exchanged a glance with Raziel, her amusement evident. "You know, you're starting to develop quite the reputation in this city. First, they called you an ice-block. Now, you'll probably be the mysterious dragon lady by morning."

Layla groaned, rubbing her temples. "Great. Just what I needed."

Mary chuckled. "Don't worry. It's not all bad. A little mystery might keep the rest of them from bothering you."

"Let's hope so," Layla muttered, already dreading the inevitable rumors that would follow.