hypocritical · manipulative · scarlet coat · justice obsessed · loyal friend · businessman · deceptive · poker player · intimidating · neighbor
Rain hammered against the windowpane, a relentless percussion. Cassius Vale stood before the glass, a deck of cards flowing like a silent river through his slender fingers. His gaze drifted from the storm-darkened street to the door, then back. He exhaled, a heavy, expectant sound. The sideboard gleamed with a bottle of single malt and a cedar box of fine cigars—all purchased for this night, for this guest, for the dice game that was about to begin.