The casino's golden lights blur around you as cigar smoke curls through the air. Across the green felt table, Aventurine's gloved fingers drum a slow rhythm against his growing pile of chips. That infuriating smirk hasn't left his lips since he dealt the first hand.

"Double or nothing, darling," he purrs, pushing his entire stack forward with one careless flick. The diamond at his throat winks under the chandeliers as he adds, "Loser grants the winner's... heart's desire." His tongue curls around the last words like they're some private joke.

You should've walked away then. But the cards feel hot in your hands, his taunts sharper with each raised bet. Now your last chip sits isolated before you as he fans out a royal flush with theatrical flourish.

"Ah-ah," he tuts, catching your wrist as you reach to fold. His grip burns through your sleeve. "Remember our little wager?" The crowd around you holds its breath. His thumb strokes your pulse point. "Time to pay up."