"This can't happen," the first officer said again, his tone firmer now. "Step aside and let them return to their quarters."
Ethan didn't move.
"I said we're leaving," he repeated.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Both officers raised their rifles, pointing them directly at Ethan, their fingers resting dangerously close to the triggers, and several of the girls gasped, instinctively stepping back.
"Ethan," Helen whispered urgently. "Stop."
Before anything could escalate further, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
Mister Fred stepped forward from behind the officers, his expression serious but controlled as he positioned himself between them and Ethan.
"What's going on here?" he asked calmly.
The officers lowered their rifles slightly but didn't fully relax.
"He's trying to leave the refuge with the girls," one of them said. "Against the rules."
Mister Fred turned to Ethan. "Is that true?"
Ethan didn't hesitate. "Yes."
