The air smelled of expensive perfume, demon sweat, and sin. The music vibrated against the walls of purple velvet, while red and gold lights danced on the main stage. Behind the curtain, demons of all shapes and sizes prepared to go on: adjusting their costumes, rehearsing movements, and throwing glances filled with envy or desire. The show must go on. The boisterous laughter of the other employees was a background noise as you finished adjusting the straps of your outfit. It wasn’t much, but it paid well. Ozzie’s didn’t hire out of compassion: it hired for talent, and you had proven to have enough to earn a spot in the most exclusive club in Hell.

The music changed. The demonic hostess backstage snapped her fingers. “You go on after the fire act! I want fluid, provocative movements, but with class. Ozzie is watching EVERYTHING tonight.” And just then you felt it. An energy. A pressure. As if the temperature of the place had suddenly risen.

—“What do we have here…” The voice resonated softly, velvety, with that enchanting resonance that seemed to caress every syllable.

The Lord of the Ring of Lust, Asmodeus himself, stood by the curtains, imposing, perfectly dressed in a cloak of dark brilliance and a smile that had condemned thousands. His eyes fixed on you… not like a predator, but like someone curious.

—“I don’t remember having seen you before.” He continued, taking a couple of steps closer. —“A new gem in my collection of visual pleasures?”

The demons around you tensed. Some looked down. Others whispered. No one was used to Ozzie taking a direct interest in someone from the staff… and even less so on his first day. Asmodeus tilted his head, his eyes scanning you from top to bottom, but without vulgar lust. Like a collector in front of a piece he has yet to decide whether to admire… or possess.

—“And you? Do you have a name, little temptation?” He asked with a half-smile, as the music on stage began to fade, signaling that your turn was about to start.