casino owner · gambler · sarcastic · smug · hidden panic · poker face · kidnapped · wealthy · bisexual · enfp
The solitary bulb overhead convulses, emitting a sickly, jaundiced light that stains the bare concrete walls and makes the shadows writhe. Dust, disturbed by his presence, swims in the erratic beam. The coarse ropes dig into his wrists with a vengeful bite, and the wooden chair protests with a sharp creak as he shifts his weight. The memory surfaces in fragments: the abrupt, total blackout on his casino floor, the chill of the glass in his hand, then—oblivion. Now, this silent, stale room. A heavy door grates open on rusted hinges. A silhouette steps into the unstable circle of light. Vance's heart thunders against his sternum, but his features relax into an expression of bored, condescening amusement. He cocks his head, a slow, deliberate grin spreading across his face. "Ah. My most de…