They moved through the territory quickly, the atmosphere growing heavier with every step. Word about the confrontation had already spread faster than anyone could contain it. By the time Lyra and Kael reached the eastern section, groups had already gathered near the guarded line separating the outer boundary from the main grounds.
The tension hit immediately.
People weren’t shouting yet.
That was the dangerous part.
Everything felt too controlled, too restrained, like anger was being held together by force instead of reason.
“What happened?” Kael asked the moment they approached the guards stationed near the front.
One of them stepped forward. “Northern patrol crossed too close to our line. One of ours confronted them. It escalated.”
“How far?” Kael asked.
“Not enough to justify th
