Chapter 1. The task

"I want you to capture the human, and bring her to me. Alive, preferably," Belos commanded. There was no room for argument, as usual, and no room for questions. And even as Hunter's gut clenched, he nodded.

"Consider it done," he said, forcing the smugness into his tone. He rose, and his uncle was standing right in front of him, much closer than Hunter had realized. He tensed as the man laid a hand on his shoulder. A familiar gesture. The pain that followed was just as familiar as his uncle squeezed. Hard.

"I will not accept your failure again, Hunter. Do not mistake my mercy for forgiveness."

***

Basically, yikes the Emperor sucks and Hunter sucks less. He makes good choices for once. Yay.