Eternals - Hunter x Reader (The Owl House)

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖

??? pov

"M-Mister Emperor?" I knock on the door twice, the same way I usually do: the first knock is heavier, the second is quieter. I never noticed I did this until he pointed it out to me. Carefully, I peek around to make sure nobody is close by. It's 2 am now. Kikimora is the one who woke me up, saying that Belos wanted to speak with me. I realized this is the opportunity I was looking for.

"It's you. Please, enter."

Feeling a chill in my body because of the anxiety, I gulp and slowly open the door. And there he is: Emperor Belos, sitting on his throne. He's using his usual mysterious mask. His shining eyes are piercing at me like he's entering my soul. Nervous, I try to reciprocate the look, but I can't. My hands tremble even more when I make eye contact.

"It's a-an honor to meet you, E-Emperor Belos." I kneel in front of him, staring down. My stutters really aren't helping in this situation. I won't sound convincing that way, but I can't help it. Maybe he called me here to speak, or to threaten me. His tone of voice is cold, yet calm, as he normally is. I can never know what he's thinking.

My mind is telling me this isn't gonna end well. He's the Emperor, he won't listen to me. Still, I don't want to sound ungrateful. Belos dedicated a lot of his time to help me, even if I don't understand exactly why. He said I have an unique potential. Initially, I believed that, but now, I'm not so sure. I think he wants something more. Would it be a betrayal if I tell him the truth?

"Don't be so nervous, child. I thought we'd been through this already. I won't hurt you."

"I-I'm sorry. It's not y-your fault. I just... it's still h-hard for me to communicate like that."

"Child, look me in the eye."

Still in the same position as before, my head slowly moves until his eyes and mine encounter. He gets a bit closer, however, I don't react.

"Are you scared of me?"

"N-No, Emperor. M-My social anxiety gets the best of me sometimes. I promise I'll not be weak anymore."

"I know that, child. I believe in you." He moves away, as his tone becomes sweeter. That's... weird. He treated me well at the beginning but got strange and distant these last days. Why the sudden change of heart? Why is he so worried about me now? "So, talk to me. It's been a long time since we had an alone conversation like this. How was your day?"

"It was great! I learned how to do a sleeping potion today! I made the professor sleep for 3 hours!" For an abrupt moment, I forget my nervousness. Talking about potions always makes me excited. I never thought someday I'd be able to do these kinds of things. It awakes my curiosity even more.

"That's formidable. I knew you were talented."

"Thanks, Mister Emperor."

"Even so, you don't look that happy. Kikimora said you looked sad these days. What's bothering you?"

Surprised, my smile vanishes. He knows.

Instantly, all my fears come back at once. What if Belos gets angry at me? What if he doesn't understand? What if... he doesn't understand?

No. I need to get things off my chest. I must face the consequences of my decisions. Fixing my mistakes is still possible... I hope.

I take a deep breath, just like he taught me. Inhale, exhale. My heart calms down a little, and I feel a spark of bravery in me. I can do this. I can share my thoughts. He said I can.

"You are more capable than you think."

Staring Belos in the eye like I never did before, I get up and finally say: