"Your cooperation ensures their safety," Gabriel stated, his tone leaving no room for debate. He turned to Sophie and Cassie and ordered, "Secure the area. Cassie, do a headcount and note any wounded. Sophie, with me."
The operation was methodical and efficient. There was no grand speech, no unnecessary violence. Gabriel's sheer presence and the reputation that preceded him were enough to quell any fleeting thoughts of rebellion. Under the leader's reluctant guidance, they reached the storage room.
The door was opened, revealing disappointing but expected goods. There were crates of canned food, sacks of grain eaten by weevils until almost dust, and a few boxes of low-quality ammunition. The weapons rack held a collection of poorly maintained rifles and melee weapons.
"It's not much," the leader mumbled, slightly ashamed.
