A FEW HOURS had passed since the shadows disappeared from the capital.
Despite the devastation left behind, order was gradually returning to the streets.
The chaos that had consumed the capital earlier had finally quieted, although traces of the massacre remained everywhere. Damaged buildings lined several streets, broken stalls and abandoned belongings were scattered along the roads, and blood still stained the stone in places where the shadows had attacked.
Under the Crown Prince's command, the remaining Imperial Guards had been divided throughout the capital. Some searched the damaged buildings for survivors, while others carried the wounded to temporary treatment areas set up wherever there was enough space.
Those who were still capable of helping had also joined the rescue. Families searched for missing relatives, while servants and surviving officials carried supplies wherever they were needed.
