The inn's common room was unusually quiet as Layla, Mary, and Raziel packed up their belongings in preparation to leave. Layla had been restless all night, the constant hum of patrols outside and the knowledge of an ongoing investigation making her resolve even stronger.

"This city is suffocating," she muttered as she shoved the last of her items into her bag.

Mary, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "You're sure sneaking out is the best idea? The guards are everywhere. One wrong step, and we'll be dragged back into questioning."

Layla glanced at her, her expression unyielding. "We don't have a choice. Staying here only puts us in more danger."

Raziel tightened the straps on his pack. "I'm with Layla. Let's move before this city turns into a prison."

The trio made their way downstairs, trying to keep their movements subtle. The innkeeper, though aware of their unease, gave them a small nod as they passed. But just as they were about to step outside, they were stopped by a guard blocking the entrance.

"Hold it," the guard said sternly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "No one is allowed to leave the city until the investigation is complete. Return to your room."

Layla's jaw tightened. "And when will that be?"

The guard's eyes narrowed. "When the prince decides it's over. Until then, you'll follow orders or face consequences."

Mary placed a hand on Layla's shoulder, a subtle warning not to escalate the situation. But Layla shrugged her off, her patience wearing thin.

"Fine," Layla said curtly. "We'll go back."

The guard gave a satisfied nod and stepped aside, allowing them to retreat.

Back in their room, Layla paced the floor, her frustration palpable. "This is ridiculous. They're locking down the entire city over some investigation? We're not staying here another night."

Mary smirked. "And how do you plan to get past the guards? Walk out the front gate?"

"No," Layla said, her tone sharp. "We'll use Luna's magic. She can veil us long enough to get outside the city walls."

Raziel frowned. "That's risky. Luna's magic is powerful, but if anyone senses it, we'll draw even more attention."

"I know," Layla admitted. "But it's our only option. The longer we stay, the more likely it is that we'll run into trouble."

As night fell, the trio prepared to make their move. Layla summoned Luna, the dragon appearing in a flash of shimmering light. The room was barely large enough to contain her, and Luna's tail accidentally knocked over a chair, earning a hiss of disapproval from Mary.

"Keep her under control," Mary muttered.

"Luna's fine," Layla said, patting the dragon's head. "She knows what to do."

Using her magic, Layla cast a veil of shadows over herself, Mary, Raziel, and Luna. The spell was designed to blend them into the night, making them nearly invisible to anyone who wasn't actively looking.

They slipped out of the inn through a side door, avoiding the main streets where patrols were most frequent. Luna trotted along behind them, her claws clicking softly against the cobblestones.

The escape wasn't without its challenges. Luna, despite being veiled by magic, was naturally curious and kept trying to investigate everything she saw. A discarded cart of apples caught her attention, and she let out a low rumble of excitement, nudging the cart with her snout.

"Luna, stop," Layla whispered urgently, pulling the dragon back.

Luna grumbled but obeyed, though her tail swished irritably, knocking over a barrel. The noise echoed down the street, and Layla froze, her heart pounding as a pair of guards turned the corner.

"Did you hear that?" one guard asked.

"Probably just a stray cat," the other replied, though his hand lingered on the hilt of his weapon.

Layla held her breath until the guards moved on, then gestured for the group to keep moving.

They were nearing the city's edge, the gates visible in the distance, when a shadowy figure stepped into their path. Layla's heart sank as the veil of shadows began to dissipate, her magic faltering under the strain.

"Going somewhere?" a cold voice asked.

Layla's eyes widened as she recognized the man standing before them. It was Eighth prince Alderic, his presence commanding and his expression unreadable.

The prince's gaze flicked to Luna, his lips curling into a faint smile. "So, the rumors were true. A dragon in Verdeti. And here I thought they were just fanciful tales."

Layla stepped forward, her expression defiant. "We don't have time for this. Move aside."

Alderic chuckled softly. "You must be the woman who dared to argue with me at the shop. I have to say, I'm impressed by your audacity. But I'm afraid I can't let you leave."

Raziel stepped up beside Layla, his hand on his weapon. "And what's stopping us from making you move?"

Alderic's guards emerged from the shadows, surrounding the group. The prince's smile widened. "Oh, I think you'll find that leaving is much harder than you anticipated."

Luna let out a low growl, her wings flaring slightly as she sensed the tension in the air. Alderic's guards shifted nervously, their hands on their weapons, but none of them dared to approach the dragon.

Layla met Alderic's gaze, her voice steady. "We're not looking for trouble. We just want to leave. Let us go, and we won't cause any problems."

Alderic tilted his head, studying her. "You're remarkably calm for someone in your position. Most people would be begging for mercy by now."

"I'm not most people," Layla replied.

The prince's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "No, you're not. And that's exactly why I'm so interested in you."

Layla's patience snapped. "I don't care what you're interested in. We're leaving, whether you like it or not."

Before Alderic could respond, Luna let out a deafening roar, the sound reverberating through the night. The guards recoiled, their confidence shaken.

Layla took advantage of the momentary distraction, grabbing Mary and Raziel and darting past Alderic. Luna followed, her massive form blocking the guards' path as they tried to give chase.