In the earth’s depths, where lava roars,

  A demon-dragon slumbers, cursed to its core.

  Its scales, dark red, gleam like flames,

  Charged with curses and infamous claims.

  When the ground splits with an abyssal cry,

  The dragon emerges, colossal and nigh.

  Its gaze pierces the stifled skies,

  Bearing promises none dare defy.

  “Come forth, mortals,” rumbles its thunderous voice,

  “I offer my scales, fragments of infernal choice.

  But in return, I demand a vow, a promise,

  A pact sealed in fire and distress.”

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  The scales shimmer, forbidden treasures bright,

  At times hope, at others a poison’s bite.

  Those who dare reach out and pay,

  Are forever marked by what they say.

  A warrior sought strength to vanquish his foes,

  He touched a scale, felt power bestow.

  But every blow struck shattered his mind,

  His thirst for victory left torment behind.

  A desperate lover wished to revive a flame,

  She took the scale, sealing her claim.

  But her lover returned as a shadow of yore,

  A haunting specter, lost evermore.

  The dragon watches, still and keen,

  Each promise a note in its binding theme.

  Its power swells with each solemn decree,

  Feeding on regret, hearts left empty.

  Beneath ebony skies, the lava subsides,

  The dragon retreats to its fiery tides.

  But its return is etched in distant stars’ shine,

  For at every full moon, it breaks its binds.