the room felt colder now shadows stretching longer as the night dragged on ren sat still his eyes sharp searching the faces around the table trust was a rare thing here and doubt was everywhere he learned that quick
the girl across leaned forward dealing cards with a sly grin "trust no one" she said "everyone's got secrets motives lies even you"
ren thought about mai waiting back at their hideout about the empty stomachs and harsh streets he wanted to believe someone could help but the cards taught him better
his fingers brushed the cards as he held them close like a shield against the world each decision felt heavy like a step on a narrow path with danger all around
"read them" she whispered "not just the cards but the people"
ren studied their eyes their breaths the slight shifts in posture the nervous twitch that betrayed a lie or the confident smirk hiding a bluff
he felt the weight of choice in every bet every fold every raise it wasn't just a game it was a battle of minds wills and hearts
as the last card was laid down ren made his move pushing all his chips forward a gamble not just on cards but on trust and doubt
the silence stretched before a smile broke the girl's face "you're learning fast" she said "but the real game is just beginning"