278: The chase has begun - part 2

The group sprinted toward the city gates, adrenaline fueling their movements. Layla's magic flared once more, casting another veil of shadows to conceal them as they slipped past the guards stationed at the gate.

By the time Alderic and his men regrouped, Layla and her companions were already gone, their figures disappearing into the darkness beyond the city walls.

Alderic stood at the gate, his expression a mix of frustration and intrigue. "She's more resourceful than I thought," he muttered to himself. "This isn't over."

As the group put more distance between themselves and Verdeti, Layla finally allowed herself to relax, the tension in her shoulders easing.

"That was too close," Mary said, her tone unusually serious.

Layla nodded, her hand resting on Luna's side. "We need to keep moving. If Alderic is this determined to find us, it means we're closer to the truth than we realized."