“My hand is higher,” Darian declared casually. “I wager your foster-dam’s second garment.”
I had no choice but to call.
But Selene raised her hand.
“Wait.”
For a brief, foolish second, I thought she had reconsidered.
Instead, she smiled wider.
“You don’t actually have chips left to wager, do you? I control your territory now—but not the tribute vaults you hoarded over the years.”
Her gaze sharpened.
“So if you want to continue, you’ll need to stake those reserves. Otherwise…”
She shrugged lightly. “We’ll just start tearing.”
My claws dug into my palm.
How meticulous. Using my foster-dam as leverage—forcing me to place everything on the table.
“I call,” I said hoarsely.
Laughter exploded around us.
The vault guardians were summoned. I recited the seal-chant to my hidden reserves. Only after confirmation was I allowed to continue.
Second draw.
I revealed a Black Claw Seven.
They revealed a Black Bloom Six.
“My hand,” I said calmly. “I wager her safety.”
Darian smirked, utterly unconcerned.
Third draw.
I turned over a Red Moon King.
They revealed a Black Claw King.
Darian pushed half the pile forward.
“I wager half your remaining wealth. You don’t get to refuse.”
My foster-dam sobbed helplessly.