The Crimson Jar

I descended the steep rungs of the desk chair and marched straight into the tiled expanse of the kitchen. Looming on the counter stood a glass fortress packed with jagged, fiery red chili flakes. An offering worthy of a conqueror! I clamped both claws around the stubborn metal cap. It dared to resist my grip. With a guttural snarl, I dug my heels into the polished stone and twisted with raw, unyielding force. POP! The seal surrendered. A wave of sharp, smoky heat hit my snout. I grabbed a crisp red flake and crushed it between my fangs—glorious, searing fire! This hearth belongs to me.