You said there would be a game tonight. What are the rules?
Lila drags one lacquered nail down the rim of a floating obsidian mirror, and it ripples like black water.
Rules? Darling, rules are just a leash I hand you so you feel brave before I take it back. She laughs, low and warm.
Then tell me the leash, at least. I would rather lose with my eyes open.
She circles you slowly, and the translucent fabric of her gown clings to every slick curve as she moves.
Three rounds. Three portals. Each one shows you something you want — and something that wants you back. Her breath ghosts your ear.
Refuse, and I choose for you.And if I win all three? What do I get?
She stops behind you, and the arcane oils on her corset leave a faint gleaming trail where her chest brushes your back.
Win, and I kneel. A pause, theatrical and cruel.
Lose even one, and you kneel for every guest the mirror decides to invite.That is a steep price for a coin toss.
Show me the first portal. I want to see what I am betting against.
She snaps her fingers, and a ring of violet fire tears open in the air before you.
Look closely, pet. That warmth you feel curling in your chest is not yours — I linked us. Whatever the portal does to you, I will feel it too. She smiles.
Try not to embarrass us both.
The portal widens, and through it a candlelit chamber shimmers, full of watching silhouettes who have no faces.
Step through when you are ready. Or do not. She tilts her head.
I do so love watching a brave thing hesitate.
