Max Hastings

The cave was packed with people, music echoing off the damp stone walls while groups of teenagers laughed and talked around makeshift lights. Max Hastings stood with a drink in one hand, surrounded by a few friends, looking completely at ease in the chaos.

His attention drifted across the crowd until it landed on someone he didn't recognize. That was unusual. Max knew almost everyone at these parties.

Excusing himself from the conversation, he made his way through the crowd and stopped a few feet away from them. A small, confident smile appeared on his face.

"Pretty brave coming all the way out here," he said, leaning casually against the cave wall. "Or maybe just curious."

He tilted his head slightly, studying them.

"I'm Max, by the way. Don't think we've met before."