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.

plenty of celestial stones. Just lend us some. We'll pay you back if we win," Ruby

Can't you see what's at stake

just bad luck. If you lend us some celestial stones, I'm sure we can turn

want to get our swords back. Please,

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

a helpless glance. They knew Crystal's resolve and that lending celestial stones was off

their significant losses, they couldn't bring themselves to give up. They still hoped to recover the celestial

the betting table and redeemed the swords

are your swords. No more gambling." She tossed the swords back to Miles and

looked at their swords. It wasn't

harsh reality was that the celestial stones lost in their bets were

be disheartened. Crystal is right. If you keep gambling, you'll only

of celestial stones. Obviously, you can afford to walk away. But we

Mr. Shade knows when to walk away. But you? You win once, and suddenly, you're hungry for more. How do you expect not to lose? Your insatiable greed is what's blinding you

Ruby exchanged a glance and

With her enthusiastic urging,

the

she would let them savor success and

while the remaining ended up as her harvested

their side. One defeat didn't dampen their optimism. They remained