The question struck Liv straight in the chest.
Liv drew a deep breath. The air at the border felt increasingly oppressive not only because of the northern wind's cold, but because of the dozens of eyes fixed on them, sharp and alert, ready to move at any moment.
She took a half step forward just enough to make Jay tense instinctively at her side.
"Can we speak properly?" Liv said, her voice calm despite her heart pounding hard. "I mean… not like this."
She cast a brief glance around staffs still planted into the ground, magic not fully withdrawn, the boundary line trembling faintly.
"Everyone here looks ready to attack," she continued honestly. "And I think… none of us truly wants bloodshed."
The Grand Sorcerer tilted his head, then chuckled softly, as if Liv had said something mildly amusing.
"Attack?" he repeated lightly. "Who would be attacking whom, Duchess?"
Liv swallowed.
"Us," she answered plainly, gesturing to herself and Jay. "Or you."
