Misterioso put both hands on his hips.“El Angelito granted a chance for María Teresa to rescue anyone she wanted.Unfortunately”—he grinned widely—“it seems she has failed in her attempt.”
No.Was it really all over?Mayté slowly stood and looked around.There had to be a way, but all she saw was her own reflection and gaping darkness.
Carlos sank down to his knees in front of the mirror.
Lo curled into herself.“I’m sorry.I’m sorry,” she repeated.
A lump formed in Mayté’s throat.If her plan with Alejandro truly had guaranteed her death, then Lo really had saved her.She had done that awful thing, knowing it would shatter their friendship into pieces.Knowing that she would suffer for it.
Mayté knelt next to Lo.She hugged her tight, and Lo crumpled into her chest.“If I’m going to lose, I’d rather it be with you than alone.”
“I’m sorry,” Lo whispered again.
Tears raced down Mayté’s cheeks.“You can stop apologizing, because I forgive you.”
“Miguel.”Loretta’s voice brought her back to the game.“We cannot delay this round.”
With a frown, the Banker drew the next card and held it up for all to see.Unlike the others, it shimmered in the light as if dusted in starlight and diamonds.The card was mostly black, with golden sparkles in the center.“El Beso de la Fortuna.”
TWENTY-EIGHTLo
Mayté gasped, and Lo’s heart raced.This was the card that she had overheard Mayté and Alejandro discussing.The card that the winner needed.
And it was out there, while she and Mayté were still trapped behind the glass.
“Whoa!”Misterioso gasped, but it sounded rehearsed, as if he had done this spiel many times in the past.“El Beso de la Fortuna.The final card of the game.Whoever can claim it will win Fortune’s Kiss!”
“I suppose this ending will be a bit anticlimactic, hmm?”Loretta mused.Her gaze flitted to Carlos, who still knelt before the mirror.
The card flew from Miguel’s hand and floated to the other side of the room.It spun and winked under the spotlights before it landed near the elevator.
“Well, boy, it’s all yours,” Misterioso smugly said.“Go on.Claim your prize.”
Carlos flashed an uncertain frown.
Mayté placed a hand on the glass.“Carlos—”
“Don’t say it!”he snapped, face hardening.“You’re still alive talking to me.I’m not winning without you, Mayté.”
Behind him, the card glowed brighter as if demanding to be claimed.
The Banker slowly looked to the mirror.The strange expression on his face reminded Lo of when she had unknowingly willed Senora Montoya’s death during the first round.
“What if …” Lo’s hand found Mayté’s.She lowered her voice so only Mayté could hear.“What if we tried one last time?”
Mayté glanced up at her, understanding in her eyes.“You mean, tried influencing the house?”
“Yes.What if we willed it to bring the card to us?No matter the cost, winning the game will undo it.”
Mayté nodded with determination.
Bring us the card,Lo thought as she nibbled her bottom lip.
“If no one claims the card, then there will be no winner,” Loretta warned.“You will all lose.You will stay here forever, or die!”
No!What if Loretta ended the game before the house brought them the card?
“Ha!Is that really somethingyou alonecan decide?”Mayté snapped.
