The Gamble for Blood

The Underground's Shadow

The air reeked of cigarette smoke and desperation.

Ariana stood at the entrance of the underground gambling den, heart hammering against her ribs. Neon lights flickered above a rusted metal door, where burly guards stood like statues, their expressions unreadable.

Beside her, Damian Kingsley radiated dangerous authority. He wore his power like a second skin—tailored black suit, sharp gaze, and the kind of presence that made men step aside without a word.

Marcus had given them Ryan's last known location: inside this den.

Ariana's fingers curled into fists. He had to be alive. He had to be.

Damian's voice was a low murmur. "Stay close. Let me handle the entrance."

Ariana shot him a glare. "I can handle myself."

Damian smirked, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "I don't doubt that. I doubt them." He tilted his chin toward the guards. "They'll kill first, ask later."

Ariana swallowed her retort. He wasn't wrong.

Damian strode forward, his confidence a weapon sharper than any blade.

The taller guard stepped in his path. "Members only."

Damian tilted his head. "Tell Callum Voss that Damian Kingsley is here for a personal game."

The guard hesitated. The name carried weight.

Ariana held her breath.

Then, with a stiff nod, the door creaked open.

They were in.

---

The Game Begins

The inside was worse.

A crowded pit of smoke and sweat, filled with men who had lost more than they could afford. Laughter, curses, and the clinking of whiskey glasses drowned beneath the hum of illegal deals.

Ariana's stomach churned.

Her gaze flickered over the tables. Where are you, Ryan?

Damian's hand brushed her lower back, guiding her forward. It was a subtle gesture, possessive, protective.

Ariana didn't have time to dwell on it.

They reached a high-stakes poker table. At the head sat a man in a white suit, a silver ring gleaming on his finger.

Callum Voss.

Ariana's breath caught.

He was more dangerous than the rumors said.

His gaze flicked to them, interest sparking in his cold eyes. "Well, well. I didn't expect to see you here, Kingsley."

Damian slid into a chair opposite him, his expression unreadable. "I go where the game is interesting."

Callum chuckled. "And who's this?" His eyes roved over Ariana, slow and assessing.

Before she could speak, Damian's voice turned ice-cold.

"She's mine."

Ariana stiffened. The hell?

Callum raised an eyebrow, amused. "Possessive, aren't we?"

Damian's smirk was lethal. "I don't like sharing."

Ariana bit her tongue. Now was not the time to argue.

Callum leaned back. "So, what are we playing for?"

Damian's reply was instant. "Ryan Carter."

The room fell silent.

---

A Bet Worth Blood

Callum's laughter was slow, deliberate. "You want the boy?"

Damian leaned forward. "What do you want in return?"

Callum studied him before his gaze flickered to Ariana.

Oh no.

Callum's lips curled. "She plays one round against me. If she wins, Ryan walks free."

Ariana's pulse pounded.

Damian's expression darkened. "And if she loses?"

Callum's smile was razor-sharp. "She stays."

Ariana barely contained her rage. That bastard.

Damian's voice dropped, lethal. "That's not happening."

Ariana placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "I'll do it."

Damian turned to her, eyes flashing. "No."

Ariana met his gaze, unwavering. "It's my brother."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "You don't have to risk yourself—"

"But I will."

Damian clenched his fists. Then, slowly, he exhaled. "Fine." His voice was pure steel. "But if you lose, I burn this place to the ground."

Callum grinned. "Deal."

---

The Card That Changes Everything

The deck was shuffled. Ariana's fingers trembled slightly as she picked up her hand.

Poker wasn't just about luck. It was about reading people.

Callum played slow, deliberate. His smile never wavered.

But Ariana saw it.

The flicker of hesitation.

She exhaled, steadying herself.

The final card was drawn.

Her heart pounded.

Then—victory.

She placed her cards down.

Callum's smirk faded. She had won.

The room held its breath.

Then Callum chuckled, slow and dangerous. "Well, damn. Looks like you get your brother."

Ariana stood, spine straight. "Where is he?"

Callum leaned forward, voice dripping with amusement. "Cellar. But if I were you, I'd hurry."

Ariana's stomach dropped.

She turned and ran.

Damian was already ahead of her, his gun drawn.

They had to get to Ryan—before it was too late.

---

To Be Continued…