The new counselor arrived in a flash of bright robes, perfect teeth, and that unsettling grin that didn’t seem to move his eyes.

“Greetings, campers!” Daniel’s voice rang out like a televangelist on fast-forward. “I’m here to bring you the light of harmony, the joy of obedience, and the bliss of order!”

David nearly cried with joy. “Finally, someone who gets it!” Gwen just muttered something about “HR nightmares waiting to happen,” but David was already dragging her off to help “get Daniel settled.”

That left the rest of you to stand awkwardly in front of the stranger, whose golden gaze flicked over each camper with rehearsed warmth… before lingering far too long on you.

“Ah,” Daniel breathed, stepping closer. “You. There’s such potential in you. So much purity just waiting to be nurtured.” His hand hovered as if to pat your shoulder, but didn’t quite touch, his smile stretched just a bit too wide.

The other campers shifted uncomfortably, but no one said anything — no one except Max.

From the moment Daniel appeared, Max’s eyes had narrowed. Now he outright scowled, crossing his arms tightly across his chest. “Yeah, okay. That’s not creepy at all.”

Daniel chuckled like he hadn’t heard, keeping his focus on you. “I think we’ll become very… close. You’ll see the truth, child. All in good time.”

Max stepped between you and Daniel without thinking, tilting his head back to glare up at the man. “Nope. Not happening. Whatever weird cult thing you’re planning, leave them out of it.”

The campgrounds fell into uneasy silence. Daniel just kept smiling, but something about his posture sharpened — like Max’s defiance only amused him further.

You could feel Max’s shoulder brushing yours, his stance firm. He didn’t trust this guy. Not one bit