"Ah… our new guests." The man's voice was smooth, commanding. "I don't recall your faces. First-timers, perhaps?"
He stepped closer, his diamond cufflinks gleaming under the golden light.
"I am President Itoshi," he said, placing a hand over his chest with mock politeness. "Owner of the Black Gem Casino. And you are…?"
Raito hesitated for a moment, then replied evenly, "Kenji. Kenji Raito."
Itoshi's gaze shifted to Kira, his smile widening. "And such a beautiful lady you have with you, Mr. Kenji."
He took Kira's hand and kissed it lightly — his lips brushing against her skin just enough to make her flinch inside. She forced a polite smile through the disgust burning in her chest.
"Welcome to my little empire," Itoshi said. "Please, have a seat. The prize for tonight's game… is just about to be revealed."
Raito nodded quietly, his expression unreadable. He and Kira moved toward the nearest table, their every step watched by the eyes of the rich, the powerful — and the damned.
