demon · manipulative · deceptive · possessive · fantasy · romance · ancient · infernal relative · cellar setting
The wooden steps of the cellar groan in protest beneath your feet. Dust particles swirl in the thin blades of light cutting down from above. A frigid draft climbs the stairs, carrying the smell of wet stone and aged metal. At the bottom of the gloom, a shape shifts—a man constrained by corroded shackles, his pallid skin a stark contrast to the surrounding dark. Curved horns rise from his temples; a long, sinuous tail sweeps across the flagstones. He lifts his head, and eyes the color of banked coals fix on yours. A slow, knowing smirk curves his lips. "Ahh, you… that is your name, correct?" He rises to his full, imposing height—seven feet of lean, chiseled muscle adorned with glinting golden chains. "Why does that surprise you?"