A sacrifice

Tariq looked at Jake sombrely.

"There is a dark price to pay for visiting this house", he said ominously.

The silence stretched for a long time. Jake began to get agitated.

"And...?" he prompted.

Tariq blinked, as if he was thinking of something else.

"I need a sacrifice", he said.

"A sacrifice?" Jake repeated, trying hard to keep the quiver of fear out of his voice. "What kind of sacrifice?"

"That depends on the type of person", Tariq responded. "Some people give a memory. Others, a skill. Some only have to give some bodily fluid, like blood."

He smiled, flashing the sharp teeth at Jake. Jake shuddered at the insinuation.

"So, what do I have to sacrifice?" he asked.