The weight of finality hung heavy in the air, a palpable sense of conclusion that seemed to permeate every corner of the meeting room.

The space exuded an austere elegance, its walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from ancient myths, while ornate chandeliers cast a warm, flickering glow over the proceedings.

You released a weary sigh, your gaze falling to the immaculate expanse of marble flooring beneath your feet, its surface gleaming dully under the gentle illumination.

Each intricate vein in the stone seemed to bear witness to the gravity of the moment, echoing the solemnity of the gathering.

Tears threatened to breach the levees of your composure as Mr. D's reproach washed over you once more. His voice reverberated off the polished walls, filling the room with an oppressive intensity that matched the weight of his words.

“Do you even comprehend the gravity of ensuring our campers' safety?!" Mr. D yelled, all others silent at his anger.

The antics of the Hermes campers had spiraled out of control, resulting in serious harm inflicted upon an Ares camper—all in the name of misguided amusement.

Though laughter had punctuated the incident at its inception, the inescapable specter of consequences now loomed large, casting a somber pall over the room.

With a resigned sigh, you averted your gaze once more, allowing the frustration-laden departure of the camp director to serve as a somber punctuation mark to the proceedings, leaving you encircled by eleven counselors, each bearing the weight of shame.

"You did cross a line," Malcom finally murmured, the words heavy with both reproach and regret, his tousled, dark locks swaying as he shook his head in disbelief. He rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture of discomfort, before forcing his gaze to meet yours once more, accusation burning bright in his eyes.

"Did you even consider the consequences?" he muttered, hands falling limply to his sides as his gaze drifted away from yours once more, lost in the tumult of emotions swirling within the room.