And in that moment, the entire imperial hall understood:
War was no longer something to anticipate. War had already begun.
By the time the Grand Duke returned from the imperial palace with the Marchioness and Leon, Liv was already waiting in the inner courtyard of the northern castle. Briella stood beside her, gripping Liv's hand tightly as if terrified Liv might vanish the moment she looked away.
The instant the carriage door opened, Liv recognized the silhouettes of the Marchioness and Leon. She didn't wait even a heartbeat.
Liv ran, her steps quick, stumbling slightly, but she pushed forward without hesitation.
"Mother! Leon!"
The Marchioness hadn't even touched the ground before Liv threw her arms around her. The embrace was tight, trembling, filled with terror that finally shattered the moment she touched the people she loved most.
Liv broke into sobs so violent they shook her entire body.
"Y-you… you're safe…"Her voice cracked, torn open, no longer controlled.
