Two weeks had passed since Adam's coronation, and under his leadership, the royal family and the imperial army had begun to heal from the divisions that had plagued them.

The days felt calmer, the city gradually returning to a semblance of peace. Citizens walked the streets with lighter steps, and the tension that had gripped the imperial palace seemed to lift.

Despite the outward tranquility, Layla remained vigilant. She had seen too many sudden reversals to trust in peace so quickly restored. "Mary," she called, her tone steady but firm, "stay sharp.

This peace might be the perfect cover for our enemies to launch one final, desperate attack. We need to be ready for anything."

Mary nodded, understanding the gravity of Layla's words. "I'll keep an eye out. We won't let our guard down."

Meanwhile, Rossette and Raziel were on patrol, walking through the bustling streets of the capital.

The city was alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and children playing. It seemed the city was slowly mending its wounds. As they turned a corner, they noticed a commotion ahead—a group of commoners arguing heatedly.

"We should intervene before this gets out of hand," Rossette suggested, her voice laced with concern.

Raziel nodded, and the two made their way toward the crowd. As they approached, Rossette's instincts flared.

She felt an unsettling prickle at the back of her neck, a sensation of being watched. Her eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Still, she trusted her senses. As she moved to step between the fighting commoners, she suddenly shifted her weight, dodging just in time to avoid a pair of hands that had reached out to grab her.

The would-be kidnapper, realizing he had been caught, turned on his heels and bolted through the alleyways.

"Raziel!" Rossette called, pointing toward the fleeing figure. "After him!"

Raziel was already in motion, his strides long and purposeful. Rossette followed closely behind, weaving through the narrow streets.

The kidnapper was quick, but the two were determined. They chased him through the winding alleys, past startled onlookers and through busy markets.

"Don't lose him!" Rossette urged, her eyes fixed on the retreating figure.

Raziel grunted in response, closing the distance between them. Just as the kidnapper was about to disappear into another alley, Raziel lunged, tackling him to the ground.

The man struggled, but Rossette was quickly at Raziel's side, helping to pin him down.

"Who sent you?" Rossette demanded, her voice cold and sharp. "Why did you try to kidnap me?"

The man sneered, refusing to speak. Raziel twisted the man's arm just enough to elicit a groan of pain. "Answer her," Raziel warned.

The man glared at them, his eyes burning with defiance, but the pain was enough to loosen his tongue. "You'll never stop them," he hissed. "This peace is an illusion. The true rulers will reclaim what is theirs."

Rossette's gaze hardened. "Who are they? Who sent you?"

He only laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You'll see soon enough. This is just the beginning."

Raziel tightened his grip, but Rossette placed a hand on his arm, signaling for restraint. "Take him back to the palace," she instructed. "We'll get more answers there."

As they dragged the man back toward the palace, Rossette's mind raced. The attempt on her life confirmed what Layla had suspected: their enemies were still active, waiting for the right moment to strike. They couldn't afford to let their guard down, not even for a moment.

When they returned to the palace, Layla and Mary were waiting, their expressions grim as they listened to Rossette's report. "It's starting," Layla said softly, her eyes narrowing. "We need to prepare for whatever comes next. They won't stop until they've tried everything."

Mary's jaw tightened. "Then we'll make sure their every attempt ends in failure."

Layla nodded, her resolve firm. "We'll defend this peace with everything we have."

Adam paced back and forth in the room, his brows knit together in deep concern. The news of the attempted kidnapping of Rossette had shaken him more than he wanted to admit. His anxiety was palpable, and he couldn't shake off the fear that their enemies were closer than they thought.

"Layla," Adam started, turning toward her, "maybe we should slow down our plan. I'm worried about what might happen if we keep pushing forward like this. What if someone gets seriously hurt?"

Layla, seated calmly with an air of determination, listened but did not immediately respond. Before she could speak, Rossette stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with resolve. "Adam," she said softly but firmly, "I'll be fine. This is our fight, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help Layla."

Adam's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're even willing to get kidnapped for this purpose? Rossette, that's too dangerous!"

Rossette's lips curled into a small smile, her voice steady. "If that's what it takes to find out who is behind all this and put an end to their plans, then yes, I'm ready for it."

Layla regarded Rossette with a thoughtful expression. "It's your decision, Rossette. I won't force you into anything, but if this is what you choose, we will support you."

Adam clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. "No, Layla! We can't just let her throw herself into danger like that. We need to find another way."

Rossette's smile faded, replaced by a cold seriousness. "Adam, this is my choice. Don't interfere."

Adam's shoulders slumped, knowing he had no right to take away Rossette's autonomy. He sighed heavily, stepping back. "Fine," he muttered, "but I don't have to like it."

The next day, Rossette was ready. She had prepared herself for what was to come, her mind steeled for the task. She walked through the bustling streets of the capital, appearing as though she was merely going about her day. In reality, she was bait, waiting for the kidnappers to make their move.

It didn't take long. Rossette felt the familiar prickle of being watched, the same sensation that had alerted her the day before. She let her guard down just enough to appear vulnerable, enticing the would-be abductors to strike.

Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows, seizing her arms with rough hands. She didn't resist as they pulled her into a narrow alley, away from prying eyes. They bound her wrists and blindfolded her, speaking in hushed, hurried tones as they carried her off.