Hit

This was it. The feel of what she was here for. The rush of adrenaline that comes from putting everything on the line was the reason she had come all the way out to the greatest gambling town in the world and there was no way she was going to settle on a 17. With a manic grin she looked at Penny with absolute confidence.

"Hit me, Penny."

As Penny crisply dealt a card, Anna took a moment to savor the moment. This would be the defining factor. With a flourish she flipped it over. 4. She now had a total of 21, but with a cold and calculating look, she waved her hand in a gesture of stay. Looking across at Maz she waited and judged. Maz seemed relaxed and smiling as she said "stay"

With both people all in and staying, the dealer waved and one of the security personnel brought in a softened black leather collar and placed it on the table between the two competitors. With a smile, Anna threw down her hand, a perfect 21. Maz looked at it and smiled before throwing down a 20. Anna looked on with shock and confidence as she realized that she had done it. She had beaten her rival. The entire room was dead silent as everyone came to the same conclusion; that this rookie had just beaten the houses top gambler. Her attention was drawn back to the table as Maz began laughing.

"Well Anna, that was the most fun I've ever had while gambling. Naturally you've won so I'm yours," and with a twist of her head she bared her neck.

Anna smiled and grabbed the collar. Bringing it around, she wrapped it around Maz's neck and cinched it to a comfortable level. Without letting it go, she dragged Maz's head up to hers.

"I know you promised me mercy as a master, but I made no such promise. And given how the next day goes, i can certainly be merciful depending on how hard you work for it."

"Im afraid that will have to wait " As the new voice spoke up, Anna and the others looked over at the newest arrivals.