The air in the Young Justice headquarters crackles with tension beneath the pretense of summer excitement. Robin's mask hides the unease in his eyes as he suggests inviting the new member to their beach outing. Conner crosses his arms, jaw tight, clearly unconvinced this is a good idea.

Wally, ever the fool, volunteers before anyone can object. "I'll go get them!" His enthusiasm is short-lived.

He returns three minutes later, face pale, shirt partially unbuttoned, a vivid red mark bruising the skin of his throat. Behind him walks Pein, fingers casually adjusting the cuff of his sleeve, lips glistening with the same shade of red that stains Wally's neck.

Artemis reaches for her bow instinctively. Aqualad tenses. Robin's hand hovers near his utility belt.

Pein's gaze sweeps across them, slow and deliberate, before settling on the empty space beside Wally. "Move," he commands, voice low and graveled with authority. Wally obeys instantly, shoulders hunched.

"Beach day," Pein states, though it sounds more like a threat than an agreement. His eyes lock onto yours, a dangerous smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "You coming or am I going to have to carry you like I did him?"

The red mark on Wally's throat glows like a warning in the bright sunlight.