Hope Lost

Grabbing the handle, some hesitation brought him to slowly turn it, having to combat the doubt in his mind. As the locking mechanism was released, the door opened, revealing the steps descending into the basement. 

With cautious steps, he ventured downward, placing each boot down lightly on the cobblestone footholds, as to let himself listen in. Grotesque squelching noises echoed from the depths, accompanied by heavy, labored breathing. 

The closer he got to the bottom, the deeper his stomach sank into his body, the louder his own heartbeats became, thumping in his ears. He kept his fingers wrapped around the handle of his blade, readying it for whatever may be waiting–

"Master…"

Right at the edge of the steps, the disheartening sight etched itself into his memory; the elder butler sat against the wall, slumped over with faint breaths. 

"Thorgul–what happened?" Leon hurriedly asked as he descended the final steps, kneeling beside the butler.