Chapter 43: Poker Game
The next evening, I stood in front of the mirror in my room, adjusting my tie and thinking about power.
Two percent.
I’d been stuck at this threshold for weeks now. The system had locked my power level, and no amount of fragments seemed to push it higher. Melissa had given me enough to survive. Vivienne had provided substantial energy – 191 fragments total now – but the barrier remained.
[Power Analysis]
[Current Level: 2% - LOCKED]
[Fragments: 191.2/1000]
[Threshold Break Requirements: UNKNOWN]
[Possible Solutions:]
[- Acquire significantly more fragments (Est. 300+)]
[- Corrupt a target of exceptional power]
[- Achieve a breakthrough event]
[Analysis: Standard corruptions providing diminishing returns]
[Recommendation: High-value target required for advancement]
High-value target.
Selene.
A five-hundred-year-old vampire with the kind of power that made other supernaturals defer to her automatically. If I could corrupt her – and that was a massive if – the fragment gain would be astronomical. Easily 30-50 fragments in a single session, possibly more.
And more importantly, it might be enough to break through the 2% barrier.
I needed that breakthrough. Especially now, with the Covenant watching, Sebastian plotting, and threats mounting from every direction. At 2%, I was stronger than an average supernatural, faster, more durable.
But against a coordinated assault from experienced supernatural hunters? I’d be overwhelmed.
At 10%? 20%? I’d be a serious threat. Someone who couldn’t be easily eliminated.
But corrupting Selene...
She was the most dangerous target I’d considered. Paranoid, powerful, surrounded by loyal subordinates, and suspicious of everyone. Getting close enough to even attempt seduction would take time I might not have.
But what choice did I have?
"You ready?" Sarah called from downstairs. "The poker game starts in an hour."
"Coming."
I took one last look in the mirror. Tonight was reconnaissance. Scout the retrieval locations, map the upper floors, gather intelligence.
And maybe, just maybe, find an opening with Selene.
---
The Velvet Room was packed when I arrived. Apparently, word of the VIP poker game had spread, and everyone wanted to be seen in proximity to power.
Jade met me at the elevator to the VIP level.
"You look tense," she observed.
"Long week."
"I heard about the gala aftermath. Sebastian’s been complaining to anyone who’ll listen about you ’stealing’ Vivienne." She smiled. "Congratulations on making an enemy of one of the city’s most vindictive families."
"It’s a gift."
We ascended to the VIP level, and I immediately noticed the changes. The usual lounge setup had been reconfigured – a large poker table in the center, surrounded by plush seating. About a dozen people were already there, nursing drinks and making small talk.
Selene stood near the windows, wearing a black dress that probably cost more than most cars. She looked up as I entered, and something flickered across her face.
Interest? Calculation?
"Alexander," she called. "Glad you could make it."
I moved through the crowd toward her. "Wouldn’t miss it."
"Do you play poker?"
"I know the basics."
"Good. We’re playing for favors tonight, not money. Winner gets to ask one favor from each of the other players, within reason." Her smile was sharp. "Makes things more interesting than just betting chips."
"What counts as ’within reason’?"
"Nothing illegal by human standards, nothing that violates the neutral ground rules, nothing that would cause lasting harm." She gestured to the table. "Beyond that, creativity is encouraged."
Playing for favors. Smart. It gave her a way to bind people to obligations while maintaining the appearance of a friendly game.
"I’m in," I said.
"Excellent." She touched my arm – casual contact, but I felt the subtle probe of her power testing mine. "You know, I’m still extremely curious about it."
"What’s that?"
"What you are exactly, Alexander Cross?" Her eyes locked on mine. "I’ve been trying to figure it out since we last spoke...your vauge description seemed to only deepen my curiosity."
When my voice came it was measured and careful.
"I’m someone who prefers to keep some mystery," I said carefully. "Doesn’t everyone in this world?"
"Most people, yes. But most people don’t have power signatures that make my wards uncertain whether to admit them or repel them." She leaned closer. "You’re something old. Something that doesn’t quite belong in this realm. And that makes me very curious."
"Curiosity killed the cat, they say."
"But satisfaction brought it back. And I’m very difficult to kill." She straightened. "We’ll talk more after the game. For now, let’s play."
The game began, and I quickly realized I was outmatched in terms of pure skill.
These people had been playing poker for decades, some for centuries. They could read tells I didn’t even know I was making.
But I had other advantages.
Enhanced perception let me catch micro-expressions. Divine senses picked up on heart rate changes, stress indicators. And the fact that I’d been alive for over a millennium meant I’d learned a thing or two about reading people.
I played conservatively, folding more often than not, watching and learning.
And while everyone was focused on the game, I let my awareness expand, mapping the VIP level.
Private booths along the perimeter. A door marked "Staff Only" that likely led to service areas. Another door with heavy wards – Selene’s private office, probably. And a third door, less obviously protected, that led to what Jade had mentioned was the collection room.
Two of my three targets were on this level. The third – the compromising document in Victor Zhao’s private booth – would require accessing his space when he wasn’t here.
"Your bet, Alexander," Selene said, pulling my attention back to the game.
I looked at my cards. A decent hand, but not great. I could fold and stay safe, or I could push and see how people reacted.
I pushed my chips in. "Raise."
Jade folded immediately. Natasha considered, then called. Victor Zhao, sitting across from me, studied me for a long moment before calling as well.
Selene watched with amusement. "Interesting play."
The flop came down. Two of my suit. If the turn or river gave me another, I’d have a flush.