Messiah

The man gave Kalisto a curious look, raising an eyebrow at his awkward demeanor, but shrugged.

"Sure, why not? Just don't bring bad luck over here," he said, his tone half-joking but with a clear warning underneath.

Kalisto forced a laugh that came out too sharp and quick.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, slipping into an empty spot at the edge of the table.

He tried to seem casual, leaning back slightly in his seat, but his stiff posture and darting eyes betrayed his unease.

The other gamblers exchanged quick glances, a mix of curiosity and mild suspicion, before turning their attention back to the game.

The room buzzed with the sound of clinking coins, cards being shuffled, and muted conversations.

Kalisto's gaze, however, stayed locked on the small, battered doll sitting on the table in front of the man who'd spoken to him.