DICKS EVERYWHERE!

AUTHOR’S POV 

"We'll be establishing a proper treatment area in the building beside the communal hall. Anyone who is sick or injured should report there. We'll record symptoms, injuries, and the medicines administered so we can track what we have and avoid wasting supplies."

She paused.

"We will also separate anyone who develops a high fever, unusual confusion, or other symptoms that suggest infection. That doesn't mean we will abandon them. It means we will treat them as safely as possible while protecting everyone else."

A nervous murmur passed through the group.

Elena waited until it subsided.

"I know some of you are worried about these rules. I am, too. None of us has all the answers. But we cannot survive if everyone does whatever they please."

She lowered the paper.

"These rules apply to everyone. They apply to me, to Garrick, to Lydia, and to every person in this settlement. No one gets special treatment because they are stronger, louder, or more important than someone else."

Harlan shifted near the back.

"And who decides when someone has broken a rule?"

Elena met his gaze.

"If there is a disagreement, we will hear both sides and make a decision based on what is best for the settlement. I won't allow anyone to use the situation to threaten others, steal supplies, or force people to obey them through fear."

A broad-shouldered man named Roderick let out a short laugh.

"That sounds noble, but what happens when someone stronger than you decides they don't care about your rules?"

Elena turned toward him.

"Then we will deal with that problem when it arises."

"And if that person is stronger than everyone else here?"

"Strength doesn't give anyone the right to take what belongs to others."

Roderick's expression hardened.

"Easy to say when you're not the one who has to fight."

Elena studied him.

He was one of the settlement's strongest wolves, broad-chested and muscular, with a reputation for settling disagreements with his fists. Until now, he had mostly kept to himself, but she had noticed how his eyes followed the food whenever it was distributed.

She suspected he was waiting to see how far he could push her.

Elena refused to look away.

"Then I suggest you use your strength to protect the people here rather than frighten them."

The room fell silent.

For a moment, Roderick seemed ready to challenge her.

Then Garrick stepped beside Elena.

"So do I," he said.

The two men stared at each other.

Finally, Roderick looked away with a muttered curse.

Elena continued with the remaining rules, refusing to allow the confrontation to become the center of the meeting.

By the time she finished, every survivor had been assigned a responsibility.

Some looked relieved to have a clear task.

Others appeared uncertain.

A few were openly displeased.

But no one left without understanding what was expected of them.

For the first time since arriving at the mountain settlement, they were no longer simply a collection of frightened people sharing a roof.

They were beginning to function as a community.

And Elena intended to keep it that way.