Chapter 7:Bonding
822 Words
The Carlton mansion was unusually lively that evening.
Staff moved quickly through the halls, carrying garments, polishing shoes, preparing everything down to the smallest detail.
Tonight wasn’t just any event.
It was a masquerade ball.
James stood in front of the full-length mirror in his room, adjusting the collar of his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time.
“I look fine,” he muttered.
“You look average.”
James turned immediately.
“Average?”
Terra walked in, completely composed as always, holding a garment bag in one hand.
“You’re attending one of the most important events in the country,” she said calmly. “You’re not going in ‘fine.’”
She placed the bag on the bed and unzipped it.
Inside was a white suit.
James blinked.
“…Okay,” he admitted. “That’s not average.”
Terra smirked slightly. “I know.”
She pulled it out carefully—a perfectly tailored white suit, clean and sharp, with subtle silver detailing that caught the light just enough without being excessive.
“Try it on.”
The suit fit like it was made for him.
The white contrasted perfectly against his skin, giving him a soft but striking presence. The silver accents added just enough elegance to make him stand out without trying too hard.
James turned slightly, studying himself in the mirror again.
“I look… different.”
“You look like a Carlton,” she replied.
He let out a quiet breath.
For once, he didn’t feel like he was hiding from that name.
Terra walked closer, holding something behind her back.
“And this,” she said, revealing it, “is the final touch.”
A mask.
James took it from her slowly.
“A masquerade ball…” he said.
“Which means,” Terra added, “people will be watching even more closely.”
“You’ll be fine,” Terra said, her voice softer now.
James glanced at her through the mirror.
“…You always say that.”
“And I’m always right.”
Terra adjusted his collar one last time, her movements gentle.
“You don’t have to be anyone else tonight,” she said quietly. “Just stand beside me.”
The grand hall of the event was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft golden light across the room. Guests moved gracefully across the floor, dressed in elegant gowns and suits, each wearing intricate masks that hid their identities but heightened their presence.
Whispers filled the air.
Laughter.
Music.
Power.
Terra adjusted the cuff of James’s sleeve one last time, her expression calm but knowing.
“Try to relax,” she said. “And talk to people your age. You can’t stay glued to me all night.”
James sighed. “I’m not glued to you.”
“You are,” she replied simply.
He rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile on his lips.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I know,” Terra said, already turning away. “I have a business meeting in the private lounge. Don’t cause trouble.”
“No promises,” James muttered.
James let out a quiet breath.
For once—
No one was watching.
The hotel lobby was grand, filled with soft music and the low hum of conversations. Guests moved around elegantly, some in formal wear, others more relaxed, but all carrying an air of quiet importance.
James walked toward the buffet table, grabbing a drink just to give himself something to do.
That’s when he saw him.
A figure.
Tall.
Familiar.
James paused.
That’s…
No.
It couldn’t be.
He looked away quickly, shaking his head slightly.
You’re overthinking it.
But across the lobby—
Max had already noticed him.
Even in a different setting.
Even without the mask.
Even without context—
He knew.
Max watched him for a moment, something soft passing through his expression.
Then it shifted.
Playful.
Controlled.
He walked toward him.
“Hey,” Max said casually as he stopped beside him. “You look bored. Need some company?”
James glanced at him, trying to stay composed.
“I guess…” he said lightly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, “if you could get me out of here, I’d be very grateful.”
Max smiled.
Not too much.
Just enough.
“I can,” he replied. “But you have to agree to go anywhere I take you.”
James raised an eyebrow.
“That sounds suspicious.”
“Do you trust me?” Max asked.
James didn’t know why—
But he answered honestly.
“…Yeah.”
Max’s smile deepened slightly.
“Good.”
James quickly pulled out his phone and sent a message to Terra.
Going out. I’ll be back tomorrow. Don’t worry.
He hit send before he could overthink it.
They left the lobby together, stepping into the quiet night outside.
The air was cooler.
Calmer.
- Writer
