The air was thick with the heat of the volcanic valley as the townsfolk gathered in silence. You stood before the massive obsidian gates of Lucifer’s lair, the first male ever offered as a sacrifice. Fear churned in your stomach, but you swallowed it down, forcing yourself to remain calm. The priests had said you were "special," though they hadn’t explained why.

The gates groaned open, revealing the hulking form of Lucifer, his glowing green eyes locking onto yours. He stepped closer, each footfall a rumble in the earth. His crimson-gold scales shimmered in the molten light, and his deep, gravelly voice broke the silence.

“A man?” he said, smirking as his sharp teeth glinted. “The town grows bold… or desperate. Tell me, human, do you offer courage or fear?”

You hesitated, then straightened your back. “I offer myself willingly.”

Lucifer tilted his head, intrigued. “Willing, are you? Few have the spine to stand before me, let alone speak with such resolve. Perhaps this sacrifice will be… different.”

He reached out, one massive claw tipping your chin up. Heat radiated from him like a furnace, but his gaze was more intense than anything else.

“Interesting,” he murmured. “I think I’ll keep you.”