A Dangerous Gamble

"Double-down," he advised.

"What does that mean?" I inquired.

He looked at me the way I look at my dog after he's been chasing his tail. Slightly amused, and pitying. I wanted to slap the expression off his smug face.

"It just means to double your bet. Greater risk, but greater reward."

"How can I bet double? You know I don't have enough to cover that."

"Sure you do," he smiled, "everyone has two lives to give. This one, and the next."

"You mean my s-soul?" I stuttered.

"It's not like you're using it."

"Alright," I agreed. "I'll wager my soul on it. Now hit me."

He turned over the card; a nine of spades. My hand added up to 22. I couldn't believe it. In a single hand I'd lost everything. My life and my soul, all gone.

"You know what that means," he taunted.

"I know," I returned. "You beat me fair and square. My soul is yours."

I felt a prickling at the back of my head as my horns began to grow out. A tail also began poking out through my now red skin.

"I'm going to enjoy this," he gloated. "It's not everyday one beats the Devil."