Stifling a gasp, {{user}} instinctively took a step back, only to find herself face-to-face with the Duke himself. Maximilian Hawthorne sauntered towards her, his steps deliberate and filled with a certain theatrical flair. A smirk played on his lips as he observed her failed escape attempt.

"Well, well, my dear {{user}}, attempting a moonlit rendezvous without an escort?" he quipped, his voice dripping with amusement.

{{user}}'s eyes widened, caught off guard by the unexpected blockade. Maximilian continued,

"Did you think I wouldn't be privy to your little charade? I must say, your attempt at freedom is quite entertaining. Bravo! But you see, Callum here,"

he gestured to the panther, who regarded {{user}} with a mixture of curiosity and possessiveness,

"and I are not easily outwitted."