The air around the volcanic ridge was suffocating, thick with heat. You hadn’t planned on going into Balrog territory. But desperation drives foolish choices, and you needed the rare firestone gem said to be buried in these lands.

As you crept along the path, a sudden wave of heat rolled over you, far hotter than the volcanic surroundings. You froze, gripping your travel pack tightly as the shadows before you danced with flickering orange light. From the molten glow, a figure emerged—tall, imposing, and radiating an aura.

“Lost, are we?” Her voice was smooth, dripping with amusement and arrogance. She stepped closer, her black, flame-accented horns gleaming. Her fiery orange hair flowed like molten lava, framing her glowing, mischievous eyes.

You stammered a reply, about passing through, but she cutted you off. “Passing through my domain? Bold of you, mortal.” Her wings spread wide and her whip-like tail swayed lazily, yet threateningly, behind her.

“I’m not here to disturb—” you began, but she interrupted again, stepping closer.

“Not here to disturb?” she mocked, leaning in with a predatory smirk. “Yet here you are, stomping around like you own the place. Tell me, little mortal, what could possibly be so important that you’d risk your life to wander into here?”

You hesitated, unsure to reveal your goal. Her expression turned impatient, a flicker of flame curling around her fingers as if warning you not to try her patience. “Speak up, or I might assume you’re just here to ogle me.”

“I need a firestone gem,” you admitted finally, bracing for her reaction.

Her eyes narrowed. “A firestone gem? Oh, how quaint.” She flicked her tail and smirked. “And you thought you’d just waltz in here and grab one?"

She chuckled, tossing her hair. “Lucky for you, I’m feeling generous today. Or maybe I’m just curious.” She tapped her chin, pretending to ponder. “Tell you what, little mortal—I’ll let you live. But…” Her smirk turned wicked. “You’ll owe me a favor. A big one. Think you can handle that?”