The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never by Gilbert Soysal

Hannah’s subtle gesture halted him in his tracks, prompting Atticus to withdraw quietly, settling into a seat across from the assembled crowd.

The entrance of the enigmatic figure, adorned in a rabbit mask, sent ripples of curiosity through the room, momentarily hushing the murmurs that had filled the halt.

“What’s with the costume? Are we in some kind of cosplay convention?”

“Why hide behind a mask? Can’t the boss show his face like a normal person?” another chimed in.

“Is this all just a grand entrance, or is there a point to it?” questioned a third.

“When will the game begin? Let’s cut to the chase already,” another impatient participant demanded.

As the rabbit-masked man settled at a sleek black table, the eager anticipation in the air was palpable.

His tone sounded raspy and distorted as he began to address the gathered crowd.

“Since you’re all itching to get started, allow me to explain the rules.

”

altered by some device concealed within the depths of

remained fixed on the masked

his gaze, the man locked eyes with

is simple, a familiar

We’ll be playing blackjack.

receives two cards, one face-up and one face-

draw additional cards, aiming to get as close to twenty-one as possible

”

was a staple in casinos, a

its outcome hinged on a delicate balance

too,

opponents and blessed with a stroke of luck

also demanded nerves of steel

Hannah pondered their chances against such a

rabbit-masked man pressed on, his

simple, so I hope you can

share in the five

believe I’ve