Max's holowatch beeped, pulling him from his thoughts.
A message from Callie.
[We are leaving.]
He glanced at it briefly before stepping out of his room.
The moment he did—
All eyes turned to him.
And the reaction was instant.
Every single member of the Black Lotus guild in the hall froze—
Their expressions shifting from mild surprise to outright shock.
Because standing before them was not the usual masked figure in dark robes.
But Max.
Max Morgan.
Wearing a sharp black suit, his face fully visible, his striking pink eyes gleaming under the dim lighting of the mansion.
No mask.
No robe.
No attempt to hide his identity.
Klaus's frown deepened.
The leader of the Black Lotus guild took a step forward, arms crossed as he eyed Max critically.
"What are you doing?"
His voice was firm, but also questioning.
A warning.
Max met his gaze without hesitation.
"I will join the banquet as Max Morgan, not as a member of the Black Lotus guild."
His voice was calm, unwavering.
