"Now this is thrilling! They're wagering lives and limbs!"
Darian Frostveil agreed without a moment's hesitation. "A life wager? I've been dreaming of personally breaking your legs for years."
"And in addition to that—all of Selene Frostveil's territories and tribute rights. What do you say?"
"Ha, you think I'm afraid of a worthless cur like you? Don't make me laugh. Fine, I accept the wager!"
Without further words, we signed the blood oath for the Dominance Wager—life against limbs—and signaled the den-keeper to deal the bones.
My first showing was the Black Fang Eight. I left my hidden bone unturned. Darian Frostveil drew the Red Claw Nine. The wolves around us snickered, assuming I had nothing worth calling. After all, this wager would end in blood regardless.
The den-keeper cast the second round. I received the Pale Root Five while Darian drew the Heart Eight.
Third casting—I pulled the Pale Root Four, and Darian showed the Heart Seven.
By this pattern, we were both tracking toward a Running Hunt sequence. Everything hinged on who held the true run, who commanded the highest claim.