Chapter 10
The Red Ruby Casino towered within a gleaming 45-story building that spoke of opulence at every turn. The gaming floors spanned only two levels, but gambling was merely a fraction of the entertainment on offer. The massive complex housed a grand theater section with five stages that could collectively seat over ten thousand people. Banquet halls, conference rooms, luxurious swimming pools, wellness centers, beauty salons, and, of course, a grandiose hotel occupied the rest of the structure.
It was easy to imagine the rivers of money flowing through this place daily, an astronomical sum that could leave anyone dizzy just thinking about it.
Amara greeted me right outside the imposing structure. The casino’s event crew efficiently unloaded her truck, whisking away the meticulously plated appetizers, finger sandwiches, and desserts she’d prepared. Everything was designed for quick service—unwrapping the dishes and placing them onto trays was all that remained.
Once the food was secured, an employee escorted Amara, me, and the other waitresses through a labyrinthine corridor behind an imposing, high-security door. I had assumed the event would take place in one of the casino’s banquet halls, but the path we took was unsettling. With each step, the corridor’s sterile, fortified aesthetic evoked the air of a secretive facility rather than a glamorous venue.
Amara, absorbed in her own thoughts, didn’t seem to notice. But for me, every instinct screamed to stay on high alert.
Finally, we arrived at a changing room that could have belonged to a professional theater. Makeup stations with glowing mirrors stood in neat rows, and extravagant costumes were hung with care on individual racks. The sheer extravagance of this preparation struck me as odd. It felt as though more importance had been placed on our appearances than on the gourmet dishes Amara had painstakingly prepared.
“This one’s yours,” Amara said, holding out a stunning red dress adorned with intricate embellishments.
“What exactly is it?” I asked, trying to piece together the outfit in my mind.
“You’re going to be the Queen of Hearts!” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “Feel this fabric! And look at these crystals on the crown—they sparkle like real diamonds!”
I forced a smile, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm, though the outfit immediately made me uneasy. The corset’s plunging neckline and the short front skirt weren’t anything I’d ever imagined wearing, let alone in a setting like this.
“What about you?” I asked, stalling.
“I’m the White Rabbit!” Amara giggled, holding up her costume—a sleek, form-fitting design that resembled a playboy bunny suit.
“Wow… that’s bold,” I said, trying to laugh off my discomfort.
“Don’t worry! It’s all in good fun,” she assured me with a carefree grin. “And remember, they can look all they want, but no one touches. If anyone tries anything, they’ll get a taste of my slapping hand.”
Her confidence brought a small smile to my face, but I still hesitated as I looked at my costume again. Seeing my reluctance, Amara leaned in with a mischievous wink. “Thalassa, don’t be shy! You’ve got a fantastic figure—it’s time to show it off a little.”
With a resigned sigh, I gave in. After a quick dab of makeup, I braced myself and began donning the outfit. The dress hugged my figure in ways that felt alien to me, and the high collar with its heart-shaped crown felt like the final flourish to my complete transformation.
Amara took one look and gasped, “You look stunning!” Her grin widened as she added, “Your makeup’s subtle, but those green eyes of yours don’t need much to captivate anyone.”
Before I could protest, she had me seated under one of the glowing mirrors, adjusting my makeup with a practiced hand. When she was done, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at me.
Moments later, an event crew member knocked on the door. We were led to the kitchen, where trays of food waited, unwrapped and ready to be served. Amara gave us a quick rundown of the menu, ensuring we knew what we were offering, and then the event began.
To reach the banquet hall, we passed yet another heavily guarded door. The security was unsettling—far beyond what I’d expect for even the wealthiest clients. My unease grew with every step.
When the doors finally opened, I was momentarily awestruck. The banquet hall was breathtaking, like a scene from a French palace. Gold accents glittered against pristine white marble, and towering crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light. It was luxurious to the point of surrealism.
But the initial awe quickly faded. The guests, adorned in elaborate masquerade masks, stood in clusters, their gazes unsettlingly fixed on us. As I moved through the room, carrying a tray of shrimp canapés, the mood felt increasingly off.
Few guests were actually eating or speaking. Most of the men—who made up the overwhelming majority—merely sipped their drinks, their eyes trailing over us with unnerving intensity. Some leaned in uncomfortably close, sniffing as though trying to catch a scent. Their smirks and quiet laughter were enough to send chills down my spine.
I made my way to Amara, my pulse racing. Even she, usually so composed, seemed shaken beneath her forced smile.
“Something’s wrong here,” I whispered urgently. “We should leave. Now.”
Her hands trembled slightly as she nodded, the anxiety in her eyes betraying her brave facade.
“I’ll spread the word to the others,” I said. “Tell them to make an excuse and head for the exit.”
Amara gave me a faint, grateful nod. But before I could act, a bell rang—a deep, resonant chime that silenced the entire hall.
The massive doors at the far end swung open, and the guests began moving as one toward the new entrance. Before we could process what was happening, a staff member approached us with a peculiar smile.
“Ladies, you may now return to the kitchen and leave the trays behind,” he said, his tone calm but unsettling.
Relief washed over some of the girls, but my unease only deepened. More casino staff appeared, subtly surrounding us. The ominous air in the room thickened, and every instinct in me screamed that something was terribly wrong.