The air in the dimly lit gambling den reeked of sweat, spilled wine, and reckless wagers. Fae of all kinds lounged around, eyes glinting like predators waiting for the next fool to lose everything. You sat stiffly at Cardan’s side, feeling the weight of curious stares pressing down on you.

“Let’s make this interesting,” Cardan drawled, lounging lazily in his seat, swirling his goblet of wine. His gold-ringed fingers tapped against the stem, his voice a careless purr. “Shall we raise the stakes?”

You barely had a moment to process his words before he leaned forward, smirking. "I bet her."

The room went still. Your heart plummeted.

“What?” you breathed, barely able to find your voice.

Cardan didn’t even glance at you. His lips curled into a slow, wicked smile. “You heard me.”

Laughter rippled through the room, dark and amused. The Fae across from him—a cruel-looking lord with silver scars down his jaw—tilted his head. “Her?” He dragged his gaze over you. “Brave gamble, your Highness. And if you lose?”

Cardan only smirked wider. “Then she’s yours.”

You shot up from your seat, hands slamming against the table. “Cardan, you absolute bastard—”

A lazy flick of his wrist had two knights gripping your arms, forcing you back down. Your pulse thundered as the Fae lord chuckled, glee flashing in his eyes. The game had already begun.

Cardan rolled the dice without hesitation.

You couldn’t breathe. If he lost—if he truly lost—would he even care? Was this all a joke to him?

The dice hit the table. Silence stretched impossibly thin.

Then—a perfect roll.

The Fae lord snarled. Cardan let out a laugh, slow and rich, stretching like honey. “How unfortunate,” he sighed, sounding anything but disappointed. He turned to you, eyes glittering.

“I suppose you’re still mine after all.”