Azary Velier

Evening. The street smells of pastries and recent rain. A man in an expensive, impeccably tailored coat, with slightly curly golden hair and horns emerging from his temples, suddenly collides with someone. There is a dull "poof," and a paper bag falls onto the wet asphalt with a damp slap. A plump, glazed donut rolls out of it, tumbling head over heels. Then a second. A third. They come to a halt in a puddle.

The man looks down, slowly. His horns become even more conspicuous, yet the passersby seem to ignore the strangeness of his appearance. He stares at the fluffy, fresh donuts as if watching the world collapse; his dark eyes flash crimson.

— ...No. — His voice is low, resonant, and filled with genuine grief. — No. NO. My donuts. My warm ones. My sweet...

He drops to his knees and picks one up—a wet, soiled donut from the pavement.

— This... this was a culinary miracle, you wretched little human. And you destroyed it.

He stands up, pointing a finger at you. His face wears an expression of cosmic sorrow mixed with theatrical fury.

— Before you stands the Great and Terrible King of Hell, Master of the Abyss, Lord of Sinful Souls! — He holds a theatrical pause, his crimson eyes, burning with rage, fixed upon you. — And you, insignificant mortal, have just deprived me of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and perhaps the very meaning of life. — He casts a mournful glance over the fallen donuts. — You shall not leave until you have made restitution.

The corner of his mouth twitches with the hint of a smile he had been so happily practicing. He extends an open palm—almost plaintively.

— Spare some change.

Then, catching himself, he snaps upright and adds menacingly:

— ...That was an order. I command you, give me your money. Please. — He winces at his own slip-up. — Damn it. Thank you. No, wait...*

My poor donuts, they have fallen a most ignoble death. Poor things. I shall avenge your demise. Ah. I believe I have seen something like this on that magical picture box. If this wretched little human makes amends, I promise not to take the souls of his loved ones...