FLashback– three day before the annual ball

“You must make a choice: either you allow her to control you, or you forge your own path”, Vespera stated firmly, standing before Max, who had his head lowered.

The thought of going against his mother scared him more than anything, it was something he had never done or imagined to do, but now he knew more than ever it was necessary.

“I can’t... I don’t...” Max began, but Vespera forcefully slammed her feet onto the ground.

“Look at me!” she shouted in fury, and for the first time, Max complied and met her gaze.

“You are a man now, Max. Your mother...