We spent hours surveying the entire town, inspecting every corner, every damaged building, every street that seemed ready to collapse. We weren't just looking—we were assessing, trying to understand the real ground-level condition. The air was still, almost too still, as if the town itself was holding its breath.
I glanced toward James with cautious eyes, silently warning him to stay alert. Leo and Ake had gone off to help some of the villagers distribute the medicines we brought along. Some of the sick were in dire condition, and the aid was welcomed with visible gratitude. People offered us nods, small smiles, even quiet words of thanks. I could only hope that this gratefulness would last—that it would be strong enough to keep the peace between us.
James must have sensed the tension in my posture because he turned to me and asked, "What do you think?"
