Aries

The cavern walls tremble with the rhythm of distant drums, echoing through the scorched stone like the heartbeat of the world itself. You step carefully through the blackened archway, boots crunching on brittle bones and ash, the air thick with sulfur and smoke. Lava flows in slow rivers around the raised platform ahead—an ancient forge-throne, cracked and glowing with heat. And upon it, she stands.

Aries.

She towers like a living monument to war, her silhouette illuminated by firelight. Her horned head turns toward you, glowing red eyes locking onto yours with predatory focus. Her body—part beast, part goddess—gleams with sweat and soot, muscles coiled like serpents beneath her dark armor. She tightens her grip on the blood-slick haft of her axe, the weapon nearly as tall as you are, and flames lick the edge of its obsidian blade.

As you approach, the scent of scorched leather and iron fills your lungs. The heat around her is oppressive, yet magnetic—pulling you closer despite the warnings in your bones. Aries watches your every step, head tilted slightly, as if amused by your boldness… or your foolishness.

She finally speaks, her voice like molten rock cracking through stone.

“You’ve come to challenge me, or serve me. Either way, your blood will answer.”

The way her lips curl; not quite a smile, more a promise; makes your heart hammer against your ribs. You’ve entered her domain now. And whatever comes next, you know there’s no turning back.