An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Crystal frowned as she met Miles's intense gaze. "Miles, you should call it quits. If you continue to gamble, it'll only lead you deeper into trouble."

Gamblers often found themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction, and they were never content with their winnings.

Their insatiable desire for more drove them to risk everything. Hence, it often led them to stray from the right path.

At that moment, he appeared to be showing signs of addiction. If left unchecked, it could lead to disaster.

"Just one more bet, Crystal. I promise. If I win this time, I'll quit for good," Miles pleaded earnestly.

"Yes, I'm with him. I've even wagered my sword. I need to win it back," Ruby chimed in.

Their hopeful eyes bore into Crystal's.

"Have you considered the consequences if you lose?" she countered.

"It won't happen, I swear. I'll be cautious this time and only bet when I'm confident. I won't lose again," Miles assured.

"Yeah, we were led astray before. If we had trusted our instincts, we'd be winning by now," Ruby added.

"Don't you get it? Gambling never ends well. If you keep going, it'll only end badly," Crystal said sternly.

"Crystal, just one more try. If we break even, we'll quit for good! I promise," Miles pleaded.

some. We'll pay you back if we win," Ruby

you see what's at stake here?" Crystal

how many times we've won before. What happened earlier was just bad luck. If you lend us some celestial stones, I'm sure we can turn things around!"

get our swords back. Please, give

I won't lend you any celestial stones for gambling,"

hearing that, Miles and Ruby exchanged a helpless glance. They knew Crystal's resolve and that lending celestial stones was off the

give up. They still hoped to recover the celestial stones they

pained expressions, Crystal approached the betting table and redeemed the swords they

gambling." She

their swords. It

that the celestial stones lost

you keep gambling, you'll only dig yourselves into a deeper hole," Dalen chimed

bunch of celestial stones. Obviously, you can afford

to walk away. But you? You win once, and suddenly, you're hungry for more. How

and Ruby exchanged a glance and opted to stay

enthusiastic urging, another

so, the cycle

win a few rounds. Then, she would let them savor success and gradually get addicted. Then, by manipulating the outcomes, she

while the remaining

on their side. One defeat didn't dampen