Jaeden and Xander find themselves cornered by the enigmatic Twilight King Cicero, who challenges them to a game as the only way forward. Cicero offers them the choice of game, flashing his mastery of illusion with dice that materialize from a tossed coin and a card that scurries away like a mouse. Jaeden is wary, sensing danger in Cicero’s theatrics, while Xander is intrigued and eager to play. The brothers confer in hushed tones, debating their options. Jaeden doesn’t trust Cicero, seeing how effortlessly the King manipulates objects around him, but Xander insists they can beat him if they choose the right game.


    After a brief discussion, Xander proposes Prismata, Might and Mythos, a strategic card-based game that the brothers have mastered through years of competitive play. Cicero accepts with a sly grin, seemingly familiar with the game. When he brazenly admits he’ll be bending the rules, the brothers brace themselves, knowing they’re up against a formidable, possibly cheating opponent. They agree on tournament rules to keep things as fair as possible, but Jaeden can’t shake his suspicion.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The game begins with a coin toss, which Jaeden deftly executes, allowing Cicero to call heads. Though Cicero wins the toss and the first move, the brothers know that their skill and teamwork will be their true advantage. With a mixture of determination and caution, they prepare to face the Twilight King in a battle of wits, strategy, and deception, fully aware that the stakes are far higher than in any game they’ve played before.