The dawn of a new day in Verdeti was accompanied by a flurry of whispers and wild speculation. Layla had barely finished her morning tea when Mary walked into the common room, holding a crumpled piece of parchment and wearing an amused smirk.

"Have you seen this?" Mary asked, tossing the parchment onto the table in front of Layla.

Raziel leaned over to read it aloud. "'Mysterious dragon sighted in the alleyways of Verdeti. Citizens claim to have seen a powerful beast commanded by a silver-haired woman. Attempts to capture or tame the creature underway.'" He raised an eyebrow at Layla. "Well, I think we know who the silver-haired woman is."

Layla pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I was trying to avoid attention, not invite the entire town to form a mob."

Mary chuckled, settling into a chair across from her. "You must have made quite the impression. It's not every day people see a dragon, let alone one under someone's command. You've become a local legend overnight."

"I don't want to be a legend," Layla grumbled, glaring at her tea. "I just want people to leave me alone."

Despite Layla's hopes that the rumors would die down, the opposite happened. By mid-morning, the entire town seemed to be abuzz with talk of the dragon sighting. Merchants exchanged exaggerated accounts of the "ferocious beast," while adventurers and thrill-seekers eagerly planned their next move.

"Do you think we'll find it in the alleys again?" one man asked another as they passed by the inn.

"I heard it disappeared into thin air," another replied. "But if we catch it, imagine the fortune we could make selling a dragon!"

Layla closed the window with a frustrated snap. The noise from the street was starting to grate on her nerves. She turned to Mary and Raziel, who were watching her with varying degrees of amusement.

"This is getting out of hand," Layla said. "What if someone actually sees Luna? She's not a wild animal for them to hunt."

Mary leaned against the wall, still smiling. "Relax, Layla. Luna's not stupid enough to get caught by these amateurs. Besides, you're the only one who can summon her. If anyone should be worried, it's the poor souls out there thinking they stand a chance."

"That's not the point," Layla snapped. "I didn't want this attention in the first place, and now it's spiraling out of control."

Raziel shrugged. "Then maybe we should leave sooner rather than later. The sooner we're out of this town, the better."

As the rumors spread, they inevitably reached the ears of someone far more dangerous than Verdeti's curious citizens. Eighth Prince Alderic of the Rumenia royal family, who had been quietly monitoring the events in Verdeti for his own reasons, was reading a freshly delivered report when he came across the mention of the dragon.

His usually stoic expression lit up with intrigue as he reread the passage. A dragon, commanded by a silver-haired woman? It was almost too fantastic to believe.

Alderic leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Could it be?" he murmured to himself. The description of the woman in the report bore an uncanny resemblance to his family's features, particularly the imperial bloodline's silver hair and commanding presence.

His mind raced with possibilities. If the woman truly was one of his hidden siblings, it would explain the dragon. The royal family had always been intertwined with ancient magic, though such abilities had become rarer with each generation.

The prince closed the report and stood, his decision made. He had to see this for himself. If the rumors were true, and this woman was connected to the imperial family, it could change everything.

Alderic's attendants looked up in surprise as he strode out of his study, issuing rapid orders. "Prepare my carriage. I'll be heading to Verdeti immediately."

One of his advisors stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, may I ask why you are taking this sudden trip?"

Alderic's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Let's just say I have a personal interest in the events unfolding there. Ensure my departure is discreet. I don't want unnecessary attention."

Meanwhile, Layla's irritation continued to grow as the day progressed. The innkeeper informed her that several adventurers had come by asking about her, their questions laced with thinly veiled suspicion.

"Perhaps you should stay in your room," the innkeeper suggested nervously.

"No," Layla replied firmly. "I refuse to hide because of baseless rumors."

Still, her resolve was tested when she ventured out to purchase supplies and found herself followed by a small group of men. Though they didn't approach her directly, their whispered conversations and pointed stares made their intentions clear.

Layla gritted her teeth and quickened her pace, turning down a side street to lose them. When that didn't work, she ducked into a narrow alley and waited for them to pass. Once she was certain they were gone, she summoned Luna, who appeared with a quiet growl.

"Just stay close," Layla whispered. "But don't show yourself unless I say so."

Luna chirped softly in response, her invisible presence a reassuring weight at Layla's side.

By evening, it was clear that the situation wasn't going to resolve itself. Mary and Raziel joined Layla in her room, both of them looking uncharacteristically serious.

"The rumors are getting worse," Raziel said. "Now people are saying the dragon is some kind of ancient guardian tied to the city's wealth."

Mary smirked. "At least they're creative. But it does mean we'll have more company tomorrow."

Layla ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident on her face. "I don't care what they think the dragon is. What I care about is that they won't leave me alone. It's only a matter of time before someone does something stupid."

Raziel crossed his arms. "Then let's leave tonight. Slip out while everyone's still distracted."

Layla shook her head. "No. If we run now, it'll only fuel their suspicions. We stay until morning, gather what we need, and leave on our own terms."

Mary raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? The longer we stay, the more likely it is we'll run into trouble."

Layla nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm sure. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."

Unbeknownst to Layla, Alderic's carriage had already entered Verdeti under the cover of darkness. The prince sat quietly, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities that lay ahead. If this woman truly was connected to the royal family, she could prove to be an invaluable ally—or a dangerous threat.

As the carriage rolled to a stop near the town square, Alderic stepped out, his sharp eyes scanning the streets. He didn't know what he would find, but one thing was certain: this encounter would change everything.