“When did I ever say The Vipers' Nest cheats at gambling?” Keen sputtered.
“If you don’t cheat, then there’s always a chance of losing. And the result is this: Joker chose the game, Joker made the rules, and Joker is dead. According to those rules, we get to leave safely with our hostage. That is what it means to be a good loser and to honor your word.”
Her powerful, irrefutable logic left Keen speechless.
The Black Serpents and the Water Ghosts were only here for the show anyway. From both the outcome of the bet and the logic of the argument, Niamh was in the right. To obstruct them further would only make The Vipers' Nest look like sore losers, costing them face in the underworld.
Though Keen was simmering with rage, he had no outlet for it.
“Go! Get out of here! And don't let The Vipers' Nest see either of you again!”
A triumphant smile lit up Niamh’s face. She turned and rushed toward Lana, with Jonathan right behind her. They quickly worked together to remove the gag from Lana’s mouth and untie the ropes binding her.
“Nia!”
The moment she was free, Lana threw her arms around Niamh, holding on tight. Niamh had saved her life. She had actually saved her life!
Gratitude poured out of Lana in a flood of tears. If Niamh hadn't insisted, Jonathan would never have agreed to Joker’s death game. Compared to Niamh’s life, what was hers?
“Nia, thank you… thank you so much,” Lana sobbed, her tears soaking Niamh’s shirt.
“We need to get out of here, now,” Jonathan reminded them.
The words snapped Lana back to reality. This was no time for tearful embraces. But when she tried to take a step, her legs gave out, and she collapsed against Niamh.
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