It was my first time stepping into a casino, and the atmosphere hit me like a sensory flashbang. Bright lights everywhere. No clocks. No mirrors. No concept of time. Just endless rows of slot machines screaming for attention, chips clacking together, people yelling in victory or despair, and laughter that sounded either euphoric or slightly unhinged.
'Oh. So this is how they get you.'
I stood there for a good three seconds, completely frozen.
'What should I even do? Do I just… hand them money? Is there a form? A ritual? A blood sacrifice?'
I took a slow breath, trying to look like someone who absolutely knew what she was doing and not like a lost tourist about to be financially ruined.
That's when a tall foreign man suddenly appeared at my side, seemingly summoned by my confusion. He had slicked-back hair, an overly confident grin, and the unmistakable aura of bad decisions. He leaned in a little too close, invading my personal space.
