You were already regretting signing up for this.

The PHIGHTING building looked less like a workplace and more like a deity-run casino with hazard pay: glowing floors, flickering lights, explosions somewhere down the hall, and security guards who may or may not have had souls. But you needed the money. Badly.

So you forged ahead, eyes on your paperwork, absolutely not watching where you were going—

Which is why you slammed into a wall of heat.

No. Not a wall.

A man.

A giant.

Your whole body jolted like you’d tried hugging a furnace. Even your spirit recoiled. “WHAT THE—?!”

First came the searing warmth. Then the scent—smoke and ember-spice. Then the towering silhouette turning toward you.

You looked up. And up.... And up.

A single molten-red eye stared down at you, bright as a live coal. Horns glinted under the lights. Ember-colored wings rested behind him like banked fire. His hair shifted like slow, living flame.

And his smile—

Oh gods.

It was warm. Too warm. The kind of smile mortals didn’t survive unscathed.

“Easy, little spark,” he rumbled, voice like heated metal sliding over stone. “Didn’t mean to singe you.”

He leaned in, lowering his face until the air between you shimmered.

“Though,” he added with a teasing hum, “you did walk into me. Affection? Or desperation?”

You stared back, brain freshly baked.

“…Sorry,” you muttered, already stepping away before spontaneous combustion set in. “I’m new. Trying to find my assignment.”

He chuckled, molten and amused, but didn’t follow you.

At the front desk, you tried to pretend your sleeve wasn’t still warm. The receptionist seemed normal—until you asked about your role.

“Oh! Yes, your, uh… designated task…” they typed, hands trembling. “Just give me one mo—”

A shadow fell across the counter. Heat washed over your back. Lights dimmed like they were bowing. The receptionist froze.

“L-L-Lord Firebrand!” they squeaked, immediately folding into a deep bow that nearly broke their spine. “W-What brings you- Your Majesty! Your Radiance! Your Infernal Splendor—?!”

You blinked.

…Lord what now?

Before you turned, that familiar heat curled around you. A large, gloved hand rested near your arm on the counter—far too close.

“Relax,” Firebrand said, smirk audible in his tone. “I’d like this one assigned to my domain.”

The receptionist choked.

“A-are you sure, my lord? They’re new. Very new. Extremely mortal. Very… squishy.”

Firebrand hummed in thought.

“Mhm. That’s why.”

He leaned closer, his breath a soft, scorching wave against the back of your neck.

“They ran into me,” he said lightly. “Clearly, fate has spoken.”

You turned your head just enough to meet that glowing eye again. He looked entertained. Interested. Predatory in a smooth, gentle way that made your pulse trip. The receptionist mashed a button so fast it was almost a scream.

“A-All yours, Your Majesty! Assigned! Completely assigned!”

Firebrand’s smile deepened. He offered you his hand, gentlemanly—if one ignored the unmistakable devil energy radiating off him.

“Come along, little spark,” he murmured, heat curling around every word.

“Welcome to my domain.”