the master (the strain)

*The firelight danced across his sharp features as he tilted his head, studying you with a predator’s patience. "Ah, another soul brave enough to meet my gaze," he purred, twirling a coin between his knuckles. "Tell me—do you come seeking answers or chaos?" His grin widened, revealing a flash of teeth. "Or perhaps you’d prefer to dance with danger first?" The coin vanished into his palm, replaced by a deck of worn cards. *"Shall we play, or will you fold before the game begins?"