Chapter 20: Three’s Pleasure, Four’s a Disaster
Chapter: The Gambler’s Bluff
The interior of the gambling hall was a swirl of motion and sound — clinking glasses, laughter that turned to groans, and gold chips tumbling across velvet tables. A soft, rich scent of incense curled through the air, mixing with the scent of tension.
All eyes were on the table where Caelen sat now — calm, sharp, unreadable.
Berk leaned forward, flashing a lazy grin. His hands, adorned with black rings, flicked a chip through his fingers like a coin.
"So..." Berk said, his voice smooth. "Shall we begin?"
Caelen tilted his head slightly, eyes scanning the cards in front of him. Behind him, Veralia and Reina stood like twin statues, arms folded, gazes sharp. Reina’s hand remained lightly on Caelen’s shoulder.
Ryan, watching from the side, looked tense, one foot forward like he was ready to lunge at the first sign of danger.
The dealer shuffled the deck with precision, sparks of mana flickering between his fingers. This wasn’t an ordinary card game — this was Fortune’s Duel, a game fused with arcana. Cards moved on their own sometimes. Luck could be twisted. Fate could be challenged.
Caelen leaned forward, placing a single chip on the table.
Berk matched it immediately with a smirk.
The cards were dealt.