Hunter POV

Ever since I failed the Eclipse Lake mission, uncle Belos has stopped sending me out. He's been locking my door randomly and limiting the amount of people who can talk to me. He's been summoning me to his throne room more, which is highly alarming. Ever time he's summoned me, I'm not allowed to say much. Once, I slipped up somehow. I don't know how I slipped up, but he sent a razor-sharp attack at me. It had cut just above me eye, and it had bled out like crazy. The pain had been unimaginable. The worst part was that he didn't even get anyone to help me. He left me there in pain as he kept rambling on about his own desires.

And that's when I realized...

I need to get out...

I need to run, somewhere far away where I'll be at peace. Yes, he's my uncle, and yes, he took me in when I was little but this! This is abuse! Even the Emperor can't get away with such a crime. The only problem is that he can. Everyone's afraid of him, and no one would dare to stand up to him. Plus, nowhere on the Boiling Isles is safe from Belos! He's everywhere! I might as well just jump off a cliff saying 'I'm trying to fly' even though I know it isn't possible. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot...

Except... No, that's stupid! They wouldn't help me. Heck, they probably haven't payed much notice to me disappearing.

I stood, sighing. It was time to change my bandages anyways. I walked over to my drawer and pulled out a med kit. I opened it and dragged out a roll of bandages, opening it up. I wrapped it around my head comfortably, the bandage barely going over my eye. I also bandaged along my arms and wrists. They were uncle's favorite places to harm after all. Unnoticeable and can be mistaken for something else. Perfect!

I packed away the medical kit, and someone knocked on my door. I froze in fear, turning slowly towards the door. My hands shook as I reached to open it, my fear getting the better of me. When I opened it, Belos stood there, tall and proud as daylight.

"Emperor Belos, sir..." I said, bowing. "Cut the formalities, Hunter." he said, surprisingly... Gentle? I blinked at him. First of all, he never referred to me as Hunter in open areas! Second, him? Gentle???

"I'm putting you back into the world," Belos said, entering my room and shutting the door. I gave him a surprised look, but quickly removed it, remembering my earlier punishments. "I want you to hunt for the Owl Lady and that human. They've been more active lately, and I want you to find them."

He rested his hand on my shoulder. I was about to thank him when a strong force was applied to my shoulder. I let out a quiet yelp of pain and looked up at my uncle. His face had turned stone cold, his eyes piercing through my skin and looking into my soul. "You better not fail this," he said. He spoke low but menacingly, assertive yet dark. "If you do happen to fail such an easy task, let's just say that you'll need more then a medical kit..."

Belos released my shoulder and exited my room. I heard his footsteps fade away as my mind clouded with Belos' voice.

Useless... Failure! I should have killed you the moment I saw you!

At least now I still get the pleasure...

Hunter shut his eyes tight, curling into a ball on the floor. This isn't how other people's uncles act! They're caring and nice...

Why did I get this one..?