A high-quality 3D portrait rendering of a spectral ghoul standing vigil at the infernal gates, its body a towering and slender skeletal form draped in tattered, ancient rags. The ghoul's visage is a harrowing spectacle, with its skull ablaze in hellfire, casting an eerie glow over its sparkling, fiery red eyes. The backdrop is a vivid landscape of roaring flames and swirling fire, enveloping the scene in a dark fantasy horror atmosphere. The dramatic red and golden lighting creates a cinematic and immersive effect, accentuating the intricate details of the skeletal figure and its ominous surroundings. The fiery setting blurs slightly with a soft-focus effect, enhancing the otherworldly ambiance. The haunting image captures the essence of a guardian of the underworld, blending terror and beauty in a mesmerizing display.