Bluff

Lois took a deep breath. Stared at her cards. It was a bad hand, but sometimes you had to play a bad hand. She picked up another chip. Humilitas the reporter read on its surface. Humility. Lois Lane wasn't sure how humble she really was. But she put it in the center of table, next to the others. Stared at Blaze, the demon with the pure white eyes, no iris or pupil.

"Bet." The reporter said.

It was about projecting confidence, without looking like you were trying to. Blaze would have to measure her cards against what it would cost her, the odds that Lois had a better hand.

The demon's hand settled on a chip. Three souls left, one in the pot. She tapped it twice.

"You're bluffing," the demon said at last.

"One way to find out," Lois shot back. Her eyes saw Blaze's cock head waver slightly, just about the level of the table. Without knowing how she knew it, exactly, the reporter took this as a good sign. The demon's hand couldn't be that strong...unless she was playing Lois.

"One way," Blaze said. "Yes, you're right."

With a deft motion, the demon tossed two soul chips into the pot.

"I see you and raise."

The reporter's mouth was dry. The move was unexpected, but smart: not just calling Lois' bluff, but drawing her out. Now it would cost the reporter to keep up the charade...or...

Lois Lane's fingers went to her chips. Five virtues left. She could turn the tables on the demon, call and raise. It would be the final attempt—Blaze only had a single soul-chip left—but it would be a damnable risk.

But you only get to play the cards you're dealt, the reporter thought grimly.

Humanitas and Temperantia dropped into the small pile at the center of the table.

"I see you and raise back."

Three souls on the line, and four virtues. Lois Lane had no illusions that she had the better hand. But she had to play like she had the better hand, or she'd be at a disadvantage. Blaze was in the same boat. It only remained to see if the demon had the balls...figuratively speaking.

"We can still trade, you know." Blaze told her. "Four virtues for three souls. I'd make that deal."

"Not quite so confident in your cards?" Lois shot back. She could feel her body starting to sweat. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll take my chances. Bet or fold?"

Deep inside, Lois hoped that she wasn't making a mistake.

Lois: J♠ 7♥ Q♦ 8♠ 8♣

Blaze: ?