Layla wandered through the crowded streets of Verdeti, still fuming from her earlier encounter at the enchanted item shop.

She hadn't been expecting to run into anyone she knew, but her sour mood brightened slightly when she spotted Mary among the bustling marketplace.

Mary was casually inspecting a display of exotic spices, her demeanor as relaxed and unbothered as ever.

"Fancy meeting you here," Layla said, approaching her.

Mary glanced up with a smirk. "Done with your little shopping spree already? You look like you've been through a storm."

Layla rolled her eyes. "Don't even ask. Some arrogant jerk tried to pick a fight with me over a bracelet. I swear, the people in this city are insufferable."

Mary chuckled. "Sounds about right for Verdeti. This place thrives on chaos, after all."

As Mary spoke, she handed a few coins to the vendor and pocketed a pouch of spices. Then, she leaned closer to Layla, her expression turning more serious. "By the way, I think I've figured out why the city's on lockdown."

Layla frowned. "And?"

Mary lowered her voice. "It's because Eighth prince Alderic is here. Apparently, he came to investigate the rumors about a dragon sighting."

Layla blinked, caught off guard. "The Eighth prince? What's he doing here? And why would he care about a dragon sighting?"

Mary shrugged. "Who knows? Royals have their own strange priorities. But it's not just about the dragon. Word is, he's also keeping an eye out for someone who might look... familiar."

Layla stiffened, understanding the implication. "You think he's looking for me?"

Mary gave her a knowing look. "It's possible. You did cause quite the stir when you unleashed Luna. Not to mention, you've got a certain... resemblance to someone important."

Layla sighed, running a hand through her black-dyed hair. "It doesn't matter. He can look all he wants, but it has nothing to do with me. I'm not planning to stick around and play games with some pampered royal."

Mary raised an eyebrow. "You're awfully confident for someone who's technically stuck in a city under lockdown."

"Confidence has nothing to do with it," Layla retorted. "I just don't see the point in worrying about things that aren't my problem."

With that, she turned and began walking back toward the inn. Mary watched her go, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Meanwhile, back in the grand estate that served as his temporary residence, Eighth prince Alderic paced the room, his expression dark with anger.

"She dared to challenge me," he muttered, clenching his fists. "In a city under my watch, no less."

The guards standing nearby exchanged nervous glances but remained silent.

Alderic's thoughts were consumed by his earlier encounter at the enchanted item shop. The woman's sharp tongue and defiance had been infuriating enough, but what truly riled him was her audacity to walk away without recognizing who he was.

"She doesn't know who she's dealing with," Alderic continued, his voice cold. "Find her. I want her brought to me immediately."

One of the guards hesitated before stepping forward. "Your Highness, with all due respect, the city is vast, and she may have already left—"

"I don't care how long it takes," Alderic snapped. "Search every corner of this city if you have to. Bring her to me, alive and unharmed. Do not fail me."

The guards saluted and hurried off to carry out his orders, leaving Alderic to stew in his frustration.

Back at the inn, Layla was trying to enjoy a moment of peace, but her earlier conversation with Mary nagged at her. If the Eighth prince really was searching for someone, and if that someone was her, then staying in Verdeti might be more dangerous than she'd initially thought.

She glanced out the window at the bustling streets below. For now, everything seemed calm, but there was an underlying tension in the air. Layla could feel it, even if she couldn't quite explain it.

Her musings were interrupted by the innkeeper, who appeared at her door with a polite knock.

"Miss, I just wanted to let you know that the city guard has increased their patrols. They're checking everyone's papers, so it might be best to stay inside for a while."

Layla frowned. "Increased patrols? Why?"

The innkeeper hesitated. "There are rumors that someone important is looking for someone in the city. That's all I know."

Layla thanked him and closed the door, her unease growing. It seemed like Mary's warning had been more accurate than she'd wanted to admit.

In the streets of Verdeti, Alderic's guards began their search in earnest.

They questioned shopkeepers, street vendors, and innkeepers, describing Layla's original appearance in detail.

Most people shook their heads, claiming not to have seen anyone matching the description, but a few mentioned a woman with black hair who had been shopping earlier.

The guards followed the trail, but it was clear that Layla's disguise had thrown them off. Frustrated, they decided to cast a wider net, checking every inn and tavern in the area.

At the same time, Alderic's anger only grew. He was used to getting what he wanted, and the thought of a single woman eluding him was intolerable.

Unaware of just how close the search was getting, Layla tried to focus on her next move. She didn't like feeling trapped, and the idea of staying in one place for too long made her restless.

Mary and Raziel joined her in the common room of the inn, both looking uncharacteristically serious.

"We might need to leave sooner than planned," Mary said. "The guards are getting closer. It's only a matter of time before they figure out who you are."

Layla nodded, her expression grim. "I'll pack my things tonight. We'll leave before sunrise."

Raziel cracked his knuckles. "If they come knocking, I'll deal with them."

Layla gave him a small smile. "Let's try to avoid a fight if we can. I'd rather not draw any more attention to myself."

Despite her calm words, Layla couldn't shake the feeling that their time in Verdeti was running out. The city had been a temporary haven, but now it was turning into a trap—and the net was closing fast.