Chapter 18: The Gamble Lady
The room was circular, cloaked in half-shadow. At its center stood a round table.
Surrounding it were twelve statues—hooded figures, eyes blindfolded, holding either scales or hourglasses.
But these were no mere works of art. One could feel their vigilance.
Dante stepped forward. His jaw tightened. He didn’t like this place. He didn’t like games of chance.
— "So this is your palace? Looks like a demon’s toilet."
— "Charming way to speak to a lady," replied a sultry voice.
From the far side of the room, a woman descended a spiral staircase.
Lady Baccarat.
A slit red dress riding high on her thigh, black lace, and dice-shaped jewelry.
A cigarette between her lips—never lit, yet it smoked nonetheless.
Her skin was pale, her hair tied back in a chignon, and her eyes... gold, like two minted coins.