Behind a Mask (Hunter x Reader)

Chapter 2 - Powerless

(Hunter pov)

It's night, almost 10 pm. After such a long day, all I wish is to be in my room, reading in silence. There are books about curses that I found recently and still haven't read it. I'm searching for information for the past 3 hours by now, since my patrolling turn has ended, but I didn't find any results.

I've been wondering about what consumes my uncle since I found out. I want to find an antidote to help him. For me, it doesn't matter how many sleepless hours I still need to go through. He is the only one I have, and besides it all, he sees potential in me. He gave me a chance to be a wizard. And I won't disappoint him for choosing to believe me.

Abruptly, I hear a knock on my door. As soon as I put on my mask, I go to see who is it. It's Kikimora, plainly unhappy about seeing me. It's not like I want to see her either, so I suppose we can agree on that.

"Kikimora! What gives me the satisfaction of your surprise visit?" I say, teasing her. She reddens with anger, which occasionally happens.

"The Emperor requires speaking with you. Alone." After hearing that, I instantly become serious. If he wants to speak with me right now, it's not time to play. Perhaps he'll tell me more about his curse tonight.

"I'm heading there." Without waiting for my reply, she leaves, and I shut the door. I sigh briefly and put on my uniform. Before leaving out my room, I take one book I've been examining for the last few weeks and put it inside a handbag. It's full of complex curses, and maybe he acknowledges similar symptoms. Any evidence right now is valid.

In a few minutes, I walk through the hallways of the castle until I arrive at where my uncle is. The surrounding areas are empty, except for some guards here and there. I hesitate for an instant, worried about what I'm going to say about the curse that won't disturb him. I need him to tell me everything he knows. I'm aware that he wants to protect me. Despite that, I'm ready to help. I can help.

So, I knock on the door and hear his quiet and intense voice on the other side.

"Hunter. Enter, please. I was waiting for you."

As he calls me, I enter the room. My uncle is sitting on his throne, appearing to be exhausted. Even behind that disguise, I know he's struggling and overworked. I've seen multiple times how this is destroying him. That's why I feel powerless for staring and not doing anything.

"Good evening, uncle Belos."

"I heard your footsteps, but you paused for a little moment before knocking on the door. Is there something going on?"

"No, nothing has happened. Thank you for your concern."

He pauses, glancing at me for a few seconds. I never really understand what is going on in his mind. It feels like he's attempting to see if I'm lying to him or myself.

"Did you review the list with the items I ordered for the covens today?"

"Yes. It's everything as you expect, uncle. We even got a lot more palisman than anticipated!"

As my uncle listens, he looks down and puts his hand on his chin.

"Is...everything ok, uncle?"

"Hunter, please sit next to me."

Without hesitating this time, I sit on the ground, on his right side. He waits for a little before talking again.

"Are you feeling well?" I ask him once more, hoping for a response.

"Do you recall why I don't give you many details about what is going on with me, Hunter?"

"Because you want to secure me. You explained that before, but-"