"Step back."
My voice came out colder than I intended, cutting cleanly through the tension in the courtyard.
Ruby paused mid-step, eyes narrowing as she turned toward me. The faint hum of magic still lingered in the air from her earlier attack, and I could feel the wards trembling beneath the surface of the estate, reacting to my presence like an irritated hive.
"This is the last time I will say this-I'm not here to deal with you. I came to meet Duchess Isabella Lilly. You have no authority over me, and you have no reason to stand in my way."
I continued.
For a heartbeat, she stared at me in disbelief.
Then she laughed.
"You really think you can walk into this estate, break our defenses, and demand an audience? You're either arrogant… or suicidal."
She asked.
"I am neither."
I replied.
Her expression hardened.
"Then let me make this simple."
She raised her hand.
The air changed instantly.
