Lukas watched as the dealer began cutting, splicing, and flipping the deck with skill, creating an entertaining show for the spectators to watch.
He noticed the design on the back of the cards. It was filled with interlocking lotus shapes, but underneath it and barely legible were what looked like several runes.
Lukas couldn't be too sure, but that had to be part of the protections the Artificers had put in place.
After what felt like an eternity, the dealer placed the deck face down on the table and spread it out. It sat like a line between Lukas and Trent, dividing them in place.
Silence filled the air. It was time to choose.
Trent still had his confident smirk on his face as he gestured to the cards. "Ladies first."
Lukas kept his expression blank, but couldn't stop his eyes from narrowing slightly. Was this confidence? Or was it a bluff?
