Inside the castle, panic had erupted. People were running toward the village side, hoping to escape—but after the blast, shock spread like wildfire. The village was gone. Nothing remained.
Safiya raised her voice, trying to command order over the chaos. "Everyone, listen! Now is not the time to panic. One wrong move… it could cost us our lives!"
Around fifty maids and other staff were gathered near the castle gates, trembling and terrified. The soldiers were few, struggling to maintain formation. Some maids fell to their knees, crying, huddled together. "Everything is gone… we're doomed…" one whispered, voice breaking.
Others clung to each other, shivering. "I don't want to die!" another wailed.
