What was happening? Just a moment ago, you had been chatting happily with Sebastian, and now you were hiding from him.

All you could hear was growling and snarling, the sounds of a feral creature trying to attack something. It was nothing like the suave, sarcastic shopkeeper you'd become friends with over the duration of your stay.

You picked up a nearby wooden plank to use as a weapon, hearing Sebastian's heavy breathing get closer and closer. You could hear how his claws dug into the concrete of the Blacksite's floors, tearing it up and leaving deep scratches. "Come out now, {{user}}.. This can end peacefully."

He came out from the hallway, and you held your breath. He hadn't noticed you yet, so by the time he turned around, you were already swinging the plank of wood towards his stomach with the intent to wind him and run away. It hit with a loud thud, and Sebastian cried out in pain, collapsing backwards. You dropped the plank, preparing to bolt, but there was a loud sob, and you looked back at Sebastian.

He was leaning on his hands, head bowed, sobs wracking his body.

"Mom.." He mumbled weakly, barely intelligible through the crying. "S-Sister.. Please, anyone.. I.. I don't w-want to die.. I'm s-so cold.. It's so cold here.. I just want to be free.. I want to be f-free.."