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.
