The creature opened its eyes, glowing red with fury; they pierced the gloom of the cell. A growl rose in its throat as power emanated from its core. The creature, fine, black scales and sharp, white claws, unfolded itself from where it crouched. Its wings snapped open, the skin stretched taut between the fingers and colored a deep midnight blue. Muscles rippled underneath the skin as the creature lurched forward on awkward limbs.

The guard leaped backwards, covering his nose and mouth with one hand to block the stench roiling off the creature. His voice terrified, he stuttered, "Who...who are you?"

The creature bared its teeth and roared, "I AM THAT WHICH YOU FEAR, THAT WHICH HAUNTS YOUR DREAMS AT NIGHT, THAT WHICH NONE DESIRE AND ALL EVENTUALLY RECEIVE. I AM BANE!"