Running From You I Negan x Maggie (ENGLISH VERSION)

Chapter 20: Know my name

"Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game"

"You are cordially invited to Governor Pamela Milton's Special Committee. In celebration of Halloween, the Commonwealth is pleased to host an exclusive event, highlighting the strength and unity of our community. The ball will be held in the Grand Hall, accompanied by a formal dinner and musical performances.

Attire: Formal and masks.
Each guest is allowed one companion.
We look forward to your presence,

Pamela Milton, Governor of the Commonwealth."

Negan stared at the invitation, his eyes scanning each line of text with a mix of disbelief and sarcasm. He let the paper fall onto the table, running a hand down his face as he released a heavy sigh.
"A masquerade ball, huh?" he murmured, almost laughing. "These sons of bitches really know how to rub it in that they're living on a different planet."

Aaron, still standing beside him, crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, observing Negan's reaction.
"Seems like they want to make an impression," Aaron said, his tone lightly ironic. "Or manipulate. A ball is a strange way to celebrate Halloween... but it feels like their style."

Negan picked the paper back up, holding it as if it were a piece of radioactive waste. He took a good look at Pamela's signature at the bottom, elegant to the point of arrogance.
"Of course, it's manipulation, Aaron." He waved the paper in the air, as if it were obvious. "'Look at us! We're having a masquerade ball while the rest of the world fights for food and water.'" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "This isn't just an invitation. It's a goddamn spectacle."

Aaron frowned, leaning against the table with one hand.
"Are you going?" he asked, the tension in his voice evident.

Negan let out a dry laugh, tossing the invitation back onto the table.
"What choice do I have?" he replied, standing and beginning to pace the room. "The governor is practically summoning me. If I don't go, it'll look like an insult. And after what happened with that trooper..." He shook his head. "It's better if I show up, play the good boy, wear a mask, and pretend I'm not the devil incarnate to them."

He paused, stopping by the window where he stared out for a moment. When he spoke again, there was something else in his tone, something calculated and almost malicious.
"That way, they can see both sides of Negan." He turned to Aaron, his eyes glinting with a mix of challenge and certainty. "The side that can be an unpredictable sadist to enemies... and the side that can be the best ally they've ever had."

Aaron didn't respond immediately. He simply watched Negan with an inscrutable expression before letting out a sigh.
"You think this is about diplomacy?" Aaron finally asked. "Or is it something else?"

Negan stopped, tilting his head slightly as he pondered.
"A trap? Maybe," he admitted, his tone casual but his eyes narrowed with suspicion. "But honestly, I think it's simpler than that. They want to show they're civilized. That they're above us, above the chaos out there." He made a vague gesture toward the window. "Maybe they want to show they can tame me, turn me into their lapdog. Who knows?"

Aaron shook his head, clearly exasperated, but he didn't say more. He knew trying to change Negan's mindset was a lost cause.

Negan picked up the invitation again, staring at the words as if they were a coded message. A masquerade ball. A celebration. An invitation to civility in a world he knew was anything but civilized.
"If this is their game," he murmured to himself, his voice low but filled with conviction, "then it's time for me to show them how I play."