"I didn't say that." A cold sweat erupts on my forehead. "Is—is this what I think it is?"
Gree's eyes sparkle like emeralds. The truth in them burns me alive.
He nods knowingly, and my tongue feels too big for my mouth. My heart pounds against my ribs. The smell of sweat and salty air chokes me. I'm hot and cold, tight and stretched. The world around me tilts and my vision blurs.
All this time, it was Gree who finally found it. The old bastard will never let me hear the end of it.
My stomach flutters as I incline my head.
"What must I do?"
Gree restarts his shuffling. The smooth cards glide between his expert fingers. I'm mesmerized by their obsidian color and delicate gold filigree.
" It's simple, really." Gree's eyes rove over my stack of coins and polished gems. "That is the lot you'll play with, and the bag will be mine."
"Greedy bastard," I mumble. "A round ofCourt's Dominionthen?"
Gree shakes his head.
"It is a simpler game. We each select a card from the deck." He sets the stack down with a gentle thud. "Whoever has the higher card can choose the bag or their opponent's lot. If you lose, the sack will remain empty, even if we switch, until it is won by another in a new game. "
"Seems fair enough."
I stare at the rough texture of the bag. An otherworldly force ripples from it. The anxiety in my gut deepens. It thrashes against my stomach as if trying to break free. I can't let it. I have to be brave, just like Gree taught me all those years ago.
I've endured it for far too long. With each passing year, the ability to suppress it grows weaker. It won't be long until I'm completely consumed by my curse.
The bag must contain the answers I seek. If not?—
"Would you like to pull first?" Gree asks, wiggling his fingers towards the deck.
Licking my lips, I stare down at my plethora of riches. It would be simpler to take them and run. To live as I always have, avoiding this thing for another three decades.
But I know I can't.
Merigold will have to find another patron to help relieve her corset tonight. My hand will be my only companion for a while. That is, if this thing I'm determined to win doesn't kill me first.
With trembling fingers, I select the top card. Gree's eyes are serious as he selects his card. The heaviness of the moment descends in the den. Voices ebb away in a gentle wave.
One chance is all I have.
"No matter what happens, Finn, I've loved you like a son. As if you were my flesh and blood."
My chest feels tight. This is as much of a goodbye as either of us will allow. Whatever happens tonight, we may never see each other again. My eyes burn as I hold his gaze.
I return his look of affection. Gree doesn't need to hear the words. The old man knows I’d die for him, that I love him just the same. As if he were my father.
And he loves me enough to give me this chance even if it means parting forever.
Clearing my throat, I lean forward.
"On three?" I ask.
Gree nods.
"One," he counts.
"Two," I whisper, hand shaking violently.
