Leonard Burns sat on a stool, tapping his fingers against the marble countertop. His father, Charles Burns, stood beside him casually, stirring a cup of tea. Charles always had a composed yet powerful presence and remained reserved when it came to his work. Leonard was naturally curious and had never been given a clear explanation of what his dad did for a living.

He watched his father closely, listening to the constant clicking of the spoon hitting the sides of the ceramic mug. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the floor.

"Dad," Leonard finally said, his voice hesitant but firm. "What does your job actually entail?"

Charles didn't look up right away. He took a slow sip of his tea before pausing. "I've told you before, son. I work in security."

Leonard frowned. "You never say what kind of security. You never talk about your job at all."

Charles sighed and set his mug down with a quiet thud. He studied his son for a long moment.

"It's not something you need to worry about."

A tense silence filled the air.

Suddenly, Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, golden emblem. He placed it on the table in front of Leonard. The symbol - a gold snake with jagged teeth and red eyes - was unfamiliar to him.

He picked it up, his heartbeat quickening. "What is this?"

His father's gaze was steady. "I think it's about time you learned the truth."

****

"Now, you understand how Cobra runs, I have to tell you about a mission that our operatives have been called upon. Tonight, we will deploy our agents in a small town to collect our latest artefact. I, too, will be joining them to help moderate the situation. In the foreseeable future, as I join Cobra on more of these types of missions, I will be sending you to a place called Horror Hill – a large boarding house where you will reside with other residents there. You will be leaving tomorrow, young Leonard."

Leonard's heart skipped a beat as the reality of the situation settled in. Horror Hill. The name sounded unsettling, but this was no time to get lost in his thoughts. The decision had been made, and he was going to Horror Hill tomorrow. Packing his clothes and possessions, he left his home, expecting to return sometime in the future.

Leonard stood before the towering gates of Horror Hill, a chill crawling up his spine. The iron gates creaked open as a figure emerged - Lord Horror Hill himself. Behind him, his father looked ahead with a mix of worry and pride.

"Be safe, son," Charles said softly. "And don't let fear control you."

Leonard nodded before stepping forward. Lord Horror Hill's voice echoed, "Welcome to Horror Hill."

He glanced back once more at his father before crossing the threshold. The gates slammed shut behind him, sealing his fate as he entered the dark unknown.