CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE – THE DEADLY STORM

But the peace was short-lived. Later that afternoon, a commotion near the water barrels drew Kayla's attention. "Hey! That's more than your share!" a voice shouted. Kayla recognized it as belonging to Marcus Reeves. She hurried over to find Marcus squared off against Jeremy Blatt, the trader from earlier. Jeremy was clutching a water bottle, his face flushed with anger. "Back off, Reeves," Jeremy snarled. "I'm dying of thirst here. A little extra water won't kill anyone." Marcus stepped closer, his imposing figure looming over Jeremy. "It's not about the water, you selfish prick. It's about the rules. If you get extra, everyone will want extra. And then where will we be?" Jeremy's eyes darted around, looking for support, but finding none. The other survivors watched the confrontation with a mix of apprehension and morbid curiosity. "I don't give a damn about your rules," Jeremy spat. "I'm not cut out for this survival crap. I need—" His words were cut short as Marcus lunged forw