Only then did Ethan fully understand.
They weren't invaders—they were refugees, here to seek shelter.
He didn't hesitate. He immediately ordered the gates opened and had the entire group brought inside for emergency resettlement.
And the moment they laid eyes on Phoenix Queen Ignara, the dam broke.
"Your Majesty… we finally found you!"
"There are still other vassal states trying to make it here, but… so many died on the way…"
Ignara looked at their gaunt, hollowed-out faces, and a flicker of pain crossed her eyes.
She gave the order at once—food, water, shelter. Everything they needed, no questions asked.
Ethan stayed just long enough to make sure the resettlement was running smoothly. Then he turned to head back to the main keep to resume work on the defense grid.
But before he could take a step—
A deep, grinding boom echoed from above.
Like bedrock being torn apart.
The air trembled violently. A crushing pressure slammed down from the sky, thick and suffocating.
