The air around the plaza grew tense as Lord Bragaton's guards charged forward, weapons gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. Layla, Raziel, and Mary stood firm, their expressions unwavering as the wave of armored soldiers advanced.

Raziel was the first to move, stepping in front of Layla and Mary with practiced ease. His sword flashed in a deadly arc, striking at the first guard who dared approach. Mary, using her agility and precision, disarmed another with a quick strike to his wrist, sending his blade clattering to the ground.

Layla stayed back, observing the chaos with a calm but focused demeanor. Though she had every confidence in her companions' abilities, she knew the real threat wasn't the guards—it was Lord Bragaton himself.

The battle in the plaza was brief but fierce. The guards, though numerous, were no match for the combined skill and determination of Raziel and Mary. One by one, they fell or retreated, leaving Bragaton standing alone at the center of the square.

The lord's face twisted with frustration as he looked at the defeated remnants of his force. "You leave me no choice," he muttered, stepping forward and raising his arms.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to rumble, and the air crackled with raw energy. A complex network of glowing runes spread outward from Bragaton, embedding themselves into the very fabric of the city. Buildings shuddered, and frightened citizens scrambled to safety, their terrified cries echoing through the streets.

Raziel moved to stand protectively in front of Layla, his blade still drawn. "What's he doing?" he growled.

Mary's eyes narrowed as she analyzed the runes. "He's using the city as a catalyst… drawing power from everything and everyone within its boundaries. This is dark magic."

Layla's gaze hardened. "He's sacrificing innocent lives for his own gain."

Bragaton sneered, his voice booming with unnatural resonance. "You've forced my hand! This city is mine, and its power will be my weapon. You cannot hope to stand against me now."

As the runes pulsed brighter, Layla stepped forward, brushing past Raziel despite his protests. Her eyes locked onto Bragaton, unyielding and filled with righteous fury.

"You would harm your own people for your pride?" she demanded, her voice cold and cutting. "You've already shown yourself unworthy of the title you hold."

Bragaton hesitated for a fraction of a second before sneering again. "I'll do whatever it takes to maintain my power."

Layla exhaled slowly, the anger within her simmering to the surface. "Then you leave me no choice."

She raised her hand, and a shimmer of light appeared on her shoulder. With a soft growl, Luna, her dragon companion, materialized, her small but commanding form glowing with latent power. The sight of the dragon caused a collective gasp from the remaining onlookers.

Luna leapt into the air, her wings spreading as she let out a resonating growl that echoed through the plaza. The magic in the air seemed to falter, Bragaton's runes flickering as if in response to the presence of a creature so ancient and powerful.

Bragaton's eyes widened in shock. His voice trembled as he stumbled back. "A dragon… under your command? No, this can't be!"

Layla strode forward, her voice calm but unyielding. "You claim power through fear and destruction. But true strength lies in protecting those who cannot defend themselves. Luna, let's end this."

The dragon responded instantly, releasing a focused blast of energy at the heart of Bragaton's runic network. The ground shook violently as the spell was disrupted, the glowing runes fracturing and fading into oblivion. The oppressive energy in the air dissipated, replaced by a heavy silence.

Bragaton fell to his knees, his face pale and his expression a mixture of awe and terror. He stared at Layla, his voice barely above a whisper. "You… you're a true member of the imperial family. Only one of royal blood could command such a creature."

Layla stopped a few paces away from him, her piercing gaze fixed on his humbled form. "Your actions today have proven you unworthy to rule over anyone. You should count yourself fortunate that I care more for the lives of the people you endangered than for petty revenge."

Bragaton bowed his head low, his pride shattered. "I see now… I was wrong. Forgive me, Your Grace. I will serve you, if you allow it."

Layla's expression remained unreadable, but she spoke with finality. "Your apologies are not for me. They are for the people you've harmed. Make amends, Lord Bragaton. That is the only service I will accept from you."

Bragaton nodded, his head still bowed as the crowd cautiously began to emerge from hiding. They whispered among themselves, their fear gradually replaced with hope as they saw their oppressive lord brought to his knees.

Raziel and Mary stepped up beside Layla, their faces marked by relief and pride. Raziel placed a hand on his sword hilt, his protective instincts still on edge. "That was risky," he said. "But effective."

Mary smiled faintly. "She always knows how to make an entrance."

Layla gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on Bragaton for a moment longer before she turned to her companions. "Let's ensure the city is safe. Then we move on."

As the tension in the air began to dissipate, Layla looked up at Luna, who was circling the sky above, her shimmering scales catching the sunlight. With a soft motion of her hand, Layla called the dragon back to her.

Luna let out a low, rumbling growl before descending gracefully, landing by her side. The townsfolk who had gathered at the edges of the plaza stared in awe, murmuring among themselves about the mythical creature and the girl who commanded it.

Layla placed a gentle hand on Luna's head, her voice soft but firm. "You've done well, Luna. Rest now." The dragon growled in response, her body shimmering once more before she vanished from sight, fading back into invisibility.

Turning her attention back to the frightened crowd, Layla sighed. She couldn't let this event linger in their memories—it would only bring further complications.

Raising her hands, she began weaving a complex spell, her voice low as she chanted. Threads of light spread out from her fingertips, enveloping the entire town in a warm, golden glow.

The murmurs quieted as the spell settled over them. Soon, the people's expressions grew blank, and they turned to go about their day, forgetting the events of the battle entirely. Layla exhaled deeply. "It's better this way," she murmured.