No Pressure

The Chase Residence was alive with frenetic activity, the kind of bustle that came only with the preparations for an event of such importance. Servants scurried through the long corridors, ensuring every corner of the manor was spotless.

In the grand hall, delicate floral arrangements were carefully placed upon the long dining table, each bloom more meticulously arranged than the last.

Every detail mattered tonight, for the Hunters Association was coming- an event that demanded nothing short of perfection.

Upstairs, far from the hustle and bustle of the preparations, the members of the Chase family had retreated to their private dressing room.

The room was spacious, bathed in the soft light that filtered through the curtains, casting a serene glow over the large mirrors and polished wooden furniture. Despite the calm in the room, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation hanging in the air

Orion stood before the full-length mirror, his tall frame silhouetted by the flickering light.

He wore a tailored black suit, each seam and stitch meticulously crafted to reflect his status. His eyes, the colour of steel, studied his reflection with the same scrutiny he applied to everything in his life- never satisfied, always striving for the next level of perfection. His posture was impeccable, every inch of him exuding authority, his cold gaze making the room feel smaller.

Helia stood at a mirror nearby, adjusting her green gown. Her hands were delicate as they smoothed over the fabric, but even her grace couldn't fully conceal the tension in her posture.

The guests they would entertain were not ordinary. Each person was a figure of influence, their every word and gesture capable of making or breaking futures.

Blaze, ever the rebellious spirit, leaned against the wall in his blue ensemble. His posture, though decent, lacked the stiff formality of his father's or even his brother's. His eyes scanned the room, catching sight of Aiden, who stood before the mirror, every inch of his being poised and elegant.

Aiden's red and gold suit gleamed in the light, its vibrant colours a stark contrast to the subdued tones of the room. His posture was as perfect as any trained noble's: shoulders squared, chin held high. And yet, despite the poise of his body, his face was a different story.

Orion's sharp gaze fell upon Aiden, and though the look was cold, there was a brief moment of something else- concern, perhaps?- though it was difficult to discern beneath the hard edge of his expression.

Aiden's face, usually filled with the spark of youthful energy, now appeared weary. His eyes, though sharp, carried heaviness, the exhaustion of endless preparations and the pressure of what was to come.

Orion's gaze narrowed ever so slightly, his voice cold but tinged with something almost paternal. "Aiden," he said, his words cutting through the stillness of the room, "you stand tall, but your face betrays you. We do not have the luxury of weakness tonight. The Association cannot see tiredness in your eyes. Do you understand?"

Aiden straightened his shoulders further, though his posture had already been as faultless as any could hope for.

His gaze met his father's, and despite the faint fatigue still lingering in his eyes, he offered a smile: a polite, formal smile, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Yes, Father. I will ensure that nothing betrays me. You needn't worry." His voice, though tinged with weariness, was perfectly controlled, each syllable spoken with the decorum he had been taught to uphold.

Orion regarded him for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. He said nothing, but the faintest flicker in his eyes suggested that he had noticed the strain, even if he would never acknowledge it.

"See to it," he replied shortly, his tone once again crisp and commanding. There was no room for weakness in Orion's world; not for him, and certainly not for his children.

Helia, who had been watching quietly from the side, stepped forward with a soft grace. She placed her hand on Aiden's back in a moment of tenderness, her touch light and comforting, a stark contrast to the cold precision of her husband.

"Aiden," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "be in control."

Aiden turned his head towards his mother, his eyes softening just slightly as he met her gaze. The weight of his exhaustion was still visible, but Helia's touch was a balm he had learned to rely on, even if it was only for a fleeting moment.

"Thank you, Mother," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "I'll take that in mind."

Blaze, who had been listening in from the side, gave a low chuckle. "No pressure, brother," he teased. "You'll be fine. You're practically born for this."

Orion's gaze flicked to Blaze, his expression hardening. "You would do well to focus on yourself for once, Blaze," he said, his tone icy. "We're not here for banter."

Blaze rolled his eyes but gave a casual salute. "Yes, Father. I'll be as perfect as always."

After some final finishing touches, the Chase family prepared to head downstairs. Orion adjusted the cuffs of his suit, Helia smoothed the folds of her flowing gown, and Blaze, in his sharp blue jacket, gave his reflection a cursory once-over before flashing a grin.

Aiden, however, lingered behind.

"I'll be down in a moment," Aiden had said evenly, his voice composed and formal. "Just need to stop by the restroom."

Orion had given him a curt nod, his icy gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary before he turned to lead the way. Blaze, always the one to make light of moments, threw a casual thumbs-up in Aiden's direction before following their parents.

The heavy silence of the dressing room settled around Aiden once the door clicked shut behind them. For a moment, he simply stood there, staring at his own reflection in the grand mirror. His red and gold attire was immaculate, every detail meticulously tailored to perfection. His posture remained flawless, a picture of discipline and decorum.

Yet, his face betrayed him. The faint shadows beneath his eyes and the tightness in his jaw spoke of the weight he carried.

He turned abruptly and made his way to the restroom, the soles of his polished shoes clicking softly against the wooden floors. Once inside, he locked the door behind him, the sound echoing in the quiet space. The restroom was as grand as the rest of the manor, with a gilded mirror framed by intricate carvings and a marble sink that gleamed under the soft light of the chandelier.

Aiden placed his hands on either side of the sink, leaning forward as he stared into the mirror.

His reflection stared back, a young boy who looked every inch the future head of the Chase family, but inside, the pressure churned like a storm. His mind raced, running over every detail of the evening ahead. Each word he spoke, each glance, each smile had to be flawless. There was no room for error. Not tonight.

Not ever.

"You can do this," he whispered to himself, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "You have to do this."

He straightened slightly, adjusting the lapels of his suit with meticulous precision. His fingers were steady, but his breathing was shallow.

"You will be perfect," he murmured, his gaze fixed on his own reflection. "You are the future head of this family. They're counting on you. You won't let them down."

The words felt hollow, even as he forced himself to believe them. He turned on the tap, the cool rush of water breaking the silence. Leaning down, he cupped his hands and splashed the cold water onto his face. The shock of it sent a jolt through him, momentarily clearing his thoughts. He stood there for a moment, droplets of water clinging to his skin, his breathing slow and deliberate.

He reached for a towel and dried his face, taking care not to disturb his perfectly styled hair. His gaze returned to the mirror, and this time, his reflection seemed different. The exhaustion was still there, faint but present, but there was something else: determination.

"You've been preparing for this your whole life," he said quietly, his tone firmer now. "You're ready."

He adjusted his cuffs, rolled his shoulders back, and lifted his chin. He looked every inch the composed, unflappable heir. Whatever doubts lingered would have to be buried deep, hidden behind a mask of perfection.

With one final glance at the mirror, Aiden turned and left the restroom, his footsteps echoing down the hall. The distant sound of voices grew louder as he approached the grand staircase, the soft hum of conversation and laughter from the guests filling the air.

As he descended the stairs, the warmth of the chandelier lights cast a glow over his polished attire, and the moment his figure came into view, the guests turned to look. He felt the weight of their gazes, the unspoken expectations, but his smile was flawless, his posture unwavering.

Orion glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable, but Aiden thought he detected the faintest nod of approval.

Helia's eyes softened with quiet pride as she caught sight of him, and even Blaze gave him a small, knowing grin.

Aiden stepped forward to join his family, the epitome of composure.

Whatever doubts he had left behind in the restroom, they would remain there. Tonight, he would not falter.

Tonight, he would be exactly what they needed him to be.

Tonight, he shall be the Chase Family's heir.