Gamble of Demise: The Samsara

Gamble of Demise: The Samsara is the third book in the Gamble of Demies series, and is the longest by far. The plot follows Zain's journey through grief, bargaining and opening the Samsara, the Realm of Rebirth, where spirits reside, waiting to be reincarnated into another body. The books follow the storylines that include myths and legends from around the world, and modern-day politics and serial killers.

Chapter 1: The Samsara
Zain goes to the dining table to find Josateki and Ji-hoon opening a large, old book containing scriptures. Josateki tells him that they found a way to bring George back from the dead, but Ji-hoon has hesitant thoughts. The three perform the ritual, and open a glowing portal. The portal sucks them into a white world, where they catch a glimpse of flying spirits, before they are sucked back into the Land of the Living. Zain wakes up to the still golden portal, shining as George descends from it wearing white robes.

Isaac and Keilani stay in Brunswick, where Isaac develops nightmares of his past, until a White Snake appears to him, transporting him to the Tallahassee Penthouse, where he sees another woman enter the house, and she attacks Josateki, scolding the three. Isaac comes in to break up the fight when he sees George. He freaks out and hyperventilates. The woman introduces herself as Ayida Konjac, and explains that they've not only released George's soul into the Land of the Living, but along with other creatures meant to be kept in the Samsara. She lets them off with a warning, telling them the only way to put them back is by returning the first spirit that was released.

Back in Nuuk, Martina and Isabella reside in their small cottage with their son, Angutti. The two are cooking in the kitchen, when Isabella hears a humming noise, and asks where Angutti is. They panic and run outside to see their distraught son being taken by a slimy creature with long legs, which Isabella calls "Qalupalik". The two dive into the water, and Isabella breaks down, separating the ocean, when her tears turn fly into the waves, and they follow it into the ocean.