metal bars clashed together as dante pushed open the door, his eyes glittering in the darkness. it smelled like mold, and like decaying flesh. he could hear the soft buzz of flies, and there was a gray lump in the corner. a dead rat. the rats here were big and mean, so it was hard to kill them. this one was foaming from the mouth.

he turned his gaze away with a sigh, pulling the cloth around his neck up and over his mouth. he didn't trust the air here. he had a faint idea of what could come of breathing this in for an extended period of time. he looked around the dungeon, glancing back at the guards. "which way?" he sighed.

"end of the hall. they're expecting you, so just show them the card that the earl gave you." one of the men said.

dante waved his hand as he started down the hall. "thanks." he exhaled a faint breath. the guard let him pass once he showed the card, as was expected. he stepped into the room, not missing the water that dripped quietly from the ceiling. he scanned the darkness, lingering close to the doorway as he assessed everything. his breath caught in his throat as he made out the person who laid, hunched over on the ground. he involuntarily stepped forward, hurrying to them without even stopping to consider this decision.