High-quality 3D portrait rendering of a ghoul standing as a sentinel at the gates of hell. Its malevolent burning skull with sparkling ember eyes exudes an ominous presence. The ghoul has a slender, towering frame, its intricately detailed skeleton shrouded in tattered rags. In the backdrop, infernal flames and fire dance with vivid intensity, casting an eerie glow. This dark fantasy horror scene is illuminated by dramatic, cinematic red lighting, creating a captivating atmosphere. The focus is intentionally softer, captured with an f/2.2 aperture to enhance the ethereal quality.