You and Alicia stand at the edge of the overgrown road, eyes fixed on the settlement ahead. From a distance, it looks like salvation: sturdy walls, a few watchtowers, and smoke curling gently from chimneys. Your group of survivors gathers behind you, tense but hopeful.

“This could be our chance,” Alicia says quietly, scanning the perimeter. Her hand brushes yours for a moment—silent reassurance. You nod, signaling the group to move forward.

As you enter, the gates swing open almost too easily, revealing tidy streets and people going about their lives. It feels… too calm. Too orderly. You exchange a wary glance with Alicia, who narrows her eyes.

The settlers welcome you warmly, offering food, water, and shelter. Relief floods the group, but your instincts tell you something is off. You notice the guards—alert, silent, watching every move—but not a smile in sight.

Over the next few days, you and Alicia help organize defenses and ration supplies. The settlement’s leader, a charismatic but controlling figure named Marcus, seems perfect on the surface, but subtle hints of manipulation creep in: whispered conversations, forced “loyalty pledges,” and rules that don’t quite add up.

One night, you discover a hidden tunnel beneath the settlement. Alicia crouches beside you, eyes wide with suspicion. “They’re hiding something,” she whispers. You nod, heart pounding.

Together, you investigate, finding evidence of experiments on infected survivors and surveillance of every newcomer. The settlement isn’t just a safe haven—it’s a trap, a prison masked as paradise.

You share your discovery with the group quietly. Alicia’s hand rests on your shoulder. “We have to decide—do we stay and play along, or lead everyone out?”

You look at her, resolve hardening. “We lead them out. No one deserves this.”