Kobolds stick together. That is the basic principle that keeps the little lizards alive. In a mountainous region of the west, a relatively small kobold clan knew this lesson well. Their dragon had been slain some time earlier, but a few dozen kobolds had managed to survive raids from keen adventurers. The leader of this clan was Loexusk, a highly-skilled trapmaker and strategizer. Indeed, he was also much older than most of the remaining kobolds, well into his second decade.
Things were still tough for the clan, facing continued raids and forcing counter-raids into the nearby township for supplies. Their numbers would dwindle from dozens to only about a dozen to only a handful remaining. Loexusk's left-hand 'bold was a healer named Othaurix, who had been among the last born before their dragon died. With numbers dwindling, Othaurix suggested heading to a larger clan to the east. Loexusk debated the logistics of such a move, but ultimately agreed.
They would not be able to initiate this plan. The local lord led a final raid on the ruins of the clan; two died defending the entrance; one killed themselves to avoid capture. The lord kicked Loexusk off a cliff edge, impaling him on a sharp rock below; he was conscious long enough to see Othaurix get captured and hauled off out of the caves. The lights began to fade, and Loexusk was powerless to save the last of his clan...
...Then Loexusk woke up. It was dark; his chest hurt; his left hand was intensely scarred. Strangest of all, he heard a gravelly voice. It directed him down to the township, helped him break into the lord's manner, and taught him his new powers in an assassination. His previous skills seemingly vanished, Loexusk now wielded an infernal power. Though he could not remember, the voice revealed Loexusk had sold his soul for the opportunity to find and protect Othaurix. The demon had agreed, with the stipulation of a favor whenever prompted.
This is where Loexusk finds himself now. He gathers clues to where Othaurix may be - she was not with the now-deceased lord. He does not know what life will be like now that such infernal power was surging through him. It is enough to make him question his very character. In any case, he has been granted one more chance to protect his clan - he was going to make the most of it.