Chapter 1: Warden of Hell
In the deepest, most revolting depths of Hell, two figures sat playing poker at a charred round table.
One was a handsome man seemingly in his 40s, while the other was an ancient creature with skin darker than blood and sharp horns growing out of its head.
The former wore a white shirt with the top two buttons undone. His dress pants looked ironed, and his black shoes were made of crocodile leather.
On the side of his neck was a tattoo that read: ’L-24 4560532—Inmate Gene Conti.’
The latter, on the other hand, wore a blue dress suit and round glasses that gave him the appearance of a castellan.
Attached to his suit was a gold nameplate. It read: ’Lucifer, Warden of Hell.’
"You know Charlene, right?" Lucifer said, looking charming as always. "The blondie being punished in the Seventh Circle."
Gene nodded in response but remained silent.
His head was already in the game, and he wasn’t about to let Lucifer’s idle chatter distract him.
"She begged me today for forgiveness," continued Lucifer. "Asked to be let go. She promised to do anything if I only eased her punishment."
Gene lifted his head with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.