The clock was nearing midnight when the wind rattled the windows of the old palace as if warning of an impending storm. Everything seemed calm outside... but inside, it was seething.
**Elizabeth** arrived first, in a simple but austere black dress. This wasn't a night for a show of elegance. It was for confrontation.
**William** entered a few minutes later, his face as impassive as a chess piece. No smile, no nod, just piercing eyes searching for a weakness, or a hint of hesitation.
**Madeleine** entered quietly, wearing a gray coat, holding a wine glass like a guest in a play, nothing more.
**John** was late. But he arrived. And something had changed in his eyes. It wasn't just love there... but also worry, regret, and perhaps fear of himself.
…
In the middle of the room stood a circular beechwood table, holding a silver circle inside… the same one used to conclude the first deal between the members of the Old Council.
Elizabeth sat down first, without hesitation.
♠ **Elizabeth:** "What happens tonight… won't be a game."
🃏 **William (sitting in front of her):** "And it never was, but you needed to think so to survive."
♠ **Elizabeth (quietly):** "Rather, I needed to believe that justice was possible even in a world of gambling."
❤️ **Madeleine:** "Justice? A game chosen by the weak to feel powerful. But we… know that nothing is just, and no one is innocent."
♠ **Elizabeth (ignoring her):** "Each of us carries a weapon today. Not in our hand, but in our heart… in our memory."
🃏 **William:** "Then you start... tell it. The whole truth."
Elizabeth looks at everyone, then takes out an old piece of paper from her bag, signed with the Council's seal:
♠ **Elizabeth:** "This is a document that shows that my father wasn't just the victim... he was the actual leader of the operations that led to the downfall of dozens of families, just so the Council could remain in control."
♠ **Elizabeth:** "And you, William... you didn't kill him to defend me, but because he began to doubt you and feared you would overthrow him."
🃏 **William (in a low voice):** "Yes... but he was right. I was overthrowing him."
♠ **Elizabeth:** "Then why did you help me?"
🃏 **William:** "Because you're the only one I saw who could bring down the Council... without becoming like them."
❤️ **Madeline (laughing):** "How wonderful you two are... the romance of assassins."
♠ **Elizabeth (looking fixedly at Madeleine):** "And what about you?"
❤️ **Madeleine (sipping her wine):** "Me? I just didn't want to forget who I am... and I'm a woman who doesn't like to be excluded. Not from love... not from the game."
Then everyone's eyes turn to **John**.
♠ **Elizabeth:** "And you, John? Are you still on my side? Or have you made a deal?"
John takes a deep breath, takes an old pocket watch that belonged to her father, and places it on the table:
♠ **John:** "Sir Terence gave it to me today. He said: If you choose her, you lose your life... If you choose us, you gain everything."
♠ **John (in a broken voice):** "But nothing is to be gained... if we lose our hearts along the way."
He looks into her eyes:20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhom3fvWz6x
♠ **John:** "I'm with you, Elizabeth. This time... without fear."
...
The room is silent for a moment. Everyone is waiting. Everything is laid bare. No cards are hidden.
Until suddenly the doors open... and **Sir Terence** appears with several armed men.
♣ **Sir Terence:** "The game's over. Whoever doesn't join... is wiped out."
Elizabeth stands. Her eyes are fire.
♠ **Elizabeth:** "Then we begin the real game."
In an instant, the room erupts into chaos:
- **Madeleine** disappears into the shadows,20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLxkWKkpho
- **William** pulls a small knife from his coat,20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBqt76Gvym
- **John** runs to close the doors,20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscibGTRSEu
- **Elizabeth** heads straight for Terence, not as if fighting... but as if finishing something that began years ago.
...
**At the end of the scene,** the sounds of the clash have subsided.
And the blood... isn't game blood.
One of them was on the ground. The other... was getting up. And the curtain hadn't fallen yet.
20Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKbKD5fOfK
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