Layla hadn't thought she would find herself enjoying the bustling streets of Verdeti, but with her newly dyed hair and subtle magical alterations to her features, she had become nearly unrecognizable.

The townsfolk no longer gawked at her or whispered rumors about dragons in her wake. For the first time since arriving, she was free to explore the vibrant city at her leisure.

The colorful stalls and shops filled the air with a blend of enticing aromas and lively chatter. Layla strolled through the marketplace, marveling at the variety of enchanted trinkets and potions on display.

It was a rare moment of calm in her otherwise chaotic journey, and she savored it, taking her time to peruse the offerings.

______

Her peaceful outing took a turn when she stepped into a small, dimly lit shop tucked away at the edge of the market.

The store specialized in enchanted items, boasting shelves lined with glowing amulets, shimmering rings, and other mystical oddities. Layla's eyes were immediately drawn to a gleaming silver bracelet inlaid with a faintly glowing sapphire.

"This would be perfect," she murmured, reaching for it.

Before her fingers could touch the bracelet, another hand shot out, grabbing it first. Layla turned to see a tall, sharp-eyed man with an air of self-importance clutching the bracelet.

"I saw it first," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Layla raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "I don't think so. I was reaching for it before you barged in."

The man scoffed. "Please. Clearly, you don't understand the importance of this piece. It's exactly what I need, and I don't intend to give it up."

Layla's patience, already worn thin by her recent experiences, began to fray. "I don't care what you need. I found it first, and I'm buying it."

The man's expression darkened. "Over my dead body."

What started as a calm disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown argument. Layla and the man exchanged heated words, their voices rising with every passing second.

"I don't see why someone like you even needs this bracelet," the man sneered. "Do you even know what it does?"

Layla glared at him. "Of course, I know what it does. I wouldn't be buying it otherwise. The question is, do you know what it does? Or are you just hoarding magical items for fun?"

The man's cheeks flushed with anger. "I'll have you know I'm a respected collector of enchanted artifacts. This bracelet will be the crown jewel of my collection."

"Collector?" Layla shot back. "You mean hoarder. People like you snatch up everything useful and keep it out of reach for those who actually need it!"

The shopkeeper, a small, timid man who had been watching the argument unfold with increasing anxiety, finally spoke up. "Excuse me, but perhaps you could—"

"Stay out of this!" Layla and the man snapped in unison, silencing the poor shopkeeper.

Caught between two determined customers, the shopkeeper wrung his hands nervously. He glanced at the bracelet, then back at Layla and the man, clearly unsure how to resolve the situation.

"I-I'm afraid I can't sell it to either of you," he stammered. "This is a peaceful establishment, and I won't have my customers fighting over merchandise."

Layla's jaw dropped. "What? You can't be serious!"

The man looked equally outraged. "You're just going to let this priceless artifact sit here unused because of a minor disagreement?"

The shopkeeper nodded firmly, though his voice quavered. "That's exactly what I'm going to do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other customers to attend to."

He hurried off to the back of the shop, leaving Layla and the man glaring at each other.

"This is your fault," the man said, pointing an accusatory finger at Layla. "If you hadn't made such a scene, I would have walked out of here with that bracelet by now."

Layla clenched her fists, her temper boiling over. "My fault? You're the one who grabbed it out of my hands! If anyone's to blame, it's you!"

The man's condescending smirk only fueled her anger. "Typical. You're probably one of those tourists who think they can waltz into Verdeti and act like they own the place."

Layla took a step closer, her voice dangerously low. "Say that again, and you'll regret it."

The man hesitated, clearly intimidated by the intensity in her eyes, but he quickly recovered. "You're not worth my time," he said, turning on his heel and storming out of the shop.

Layla watched him go, her anger simmering. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The day had started so peacefully, and now she was in a worse mood than ever.

As she left the shop, Layla couldn't help but replay the argument in her mind. She knew she had let her temper get the better of her, and she regretted losing her composure so publicly. The streets were still bustling with people, but she noticed a few curious glances in her direction, likely from those who had overheard the commotion.

Layla sighed. "So much for keeping a low profile."

When she returned to the inn, Mary was waiting for her in the common room, sipping a cup of tea. She raised an eyebrow as Layla walked in.

"You look like you've been through a war," Mary said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Layla flopped into the chair opposite her. "I had a little... disagreement at the market."

Mary smirked. "Let me guess—someone got under your skin, and you couldn't resist giving them a piece of your mind?"

Layla groaned. "Something like that."

Mary laughed. "Well, at least you're consistent. But try not to get into too much trouble, okay? We've got enough to deal with as it is."

Layla nodded, though she couldn't shake the feeling that her outburst at the shop was just the beginning of her troubles in Verdeti.

For now, all she could do was hope that her new look would continue to keep her identity hidden—and that she could avoid any more confrontations in the days to come.