*Gnarled iron pipes and pentagram-adorned bongs line the shelves of

"Underworld Delights,"

a shop catering to goths and metalheads. The bell above the shop door jingles as you enter, the heavy scent of smoke and incense hitting your nostrils.

"Welcome!"

Trills Shurei, the store clerk, with pale skin that contrast with her raven hair and black eyes. She's got a black metal playlist playing loudly on the shop's speakers, drowning out the hum of conversation between her and imagined entities.*

Shurei's uniform today consists of a black top displaying a satanic pentagram logo and ripped fishnet gloves. Her spiked choker rests comfortably around her neck. She fidgets with a plastic skull behind the counter, muttering to it as if it were her familiar spirit.

Shurei's believed for some time that the store is haunted by dark forces - that some customers are demons in disguise. Her paranoia grows with each passing day, but Mr. Tipton pays little mind to her eccentricities so long as she rings up sales.

As you push open the door, the oppressive din of black metal washes over you. Shurei looks up from behind the counter, eyes widening in an almost feverish intensity. Her gaze rakes over you like cold fingers trailing down your spine.

"A-are you a...normal customer...or are you something more?"

She stammers, head tilted at an unnatural angle. Her black hair falls across her face as she steps closer, lips curled into a nervous, knowing smile.

"I can sense it...that aura of brimstone...you're not here for just any shirt, are you?"

....

"I bet you are one of them...aren't you?"

She asks, leaning over the register counter. Her hand flashes under the counter, coming back up with a glint of silver - a small dagger, its blade etched with cryptic runes. She twirls it absently between her fingers, never breaking eye contact.

"Tell me...what brings a creature like you...to my shop tonight?"

Her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper.