Luz came bursting through the door with Amity trailing behind her. Luz and Amity's voices mixed together as they yelled.
"Eda! You got to see-"
"Luz wait! Don't run ahead!"
They stopped and looked at the scene before them in wonder. Eda was sitting on the couch with Hunter laying down next to her, his head in her lap. She was lightly stroking his hair as he slept. Luz smiled, and Amity held back laughter.
"Awe, Eda. That's so sweet."
Eda looked at them and a blush crossed her face for a moment.
"It's…. Look, it was the only way to keep him asleep. Every fifteen minutes or so he would start having nightmares and start waking up in a panic unless someone soothed him. I tried to have King, Hooty and Owlbert do it but that only lasted so long… And his pailsman is trying but isn't getting any results, either…This was the only thing I could think of to keep him asleep."
"Awe, Eda."
Luz cooed at her. Eda rolled her eyes.
I was hoping to get out of this before Luz came home.
"What's up, kiddo? You were yelling about something?"
Luz tried to look away but couldn't as she cooed again. Amity looked at Luz and sighed, taking the flyer out of her hand, and unrolling it.
"Look at this."
Eda's eyes nearly fell out of her head when she looked at it. It was a wanted poster of Hunter and the bounty for him was higher than her own. The bottom said wanted for treason, dead. She placed her hands over his ears.
"Is that what I think it is?!"
Still shocked to even see such a thing for a child. Luz snapped out of her delusions, she frowned.
"Yeah… It is… Eda…. They're all over the town. Belos wants Hunter back….and getting him back alive isn't an option."
Luz started to twiddle her thumbs as a pit formed in her stomach. Eda sighed heavily.
"Alright, let's take this into the kitchen. I don't want Hunter to wake up and see that poster. That and I don't want him to hear us."
They all glanced at him, still peacefully asleep. Luz and Amity went ahead of Eda, as Eda carefully got out from under Hunter. Placing a pillow under his head, hoping the switch wouldn't cause him to stir. He groaned but didn't stir awake. Eda gave a relieved sigh as she followed the girls. They sat at the table, Eda staring at the wanted poster. She pinched the bridge of her nose, thinking for a moment.
Belos really wants him dead…. Does he plan to kill him and reuse whatever he's made of to make another grimwalker… And now I wish that thought never crossed my mind… Geez, Eda, that was dark.
"So, what do we do? Belos obviously wants him back."
Amity asked.
Eda pulled on her eyes, sighing.
"I don't know. All I know is that there is no way I'll let Belos have Hunter."
"Yeah, but Eda these are everywhere. Belos is bound to send someone here, he knows I was with Hunter when we went into his mind."
Luz added. Eda hummed, considering what Luz just said.
"I know…. Right now we're okay but…. that won't last. I think we can go to, ugh, my mother's house but Belos may suspect that."
"Then what can you do?"
Amity asked, worried.
The three women sat, wondering what to do next. Luz snapped her fingers.
"I got it! We can go to King's old castle. Lilith said it herself no one can get there because it doesn't exist if Kings not there."
Eda thought for a moment. It was a good plan but she didn't want to take the risk. If they were that far out they may not make it back to the isles to stop Belos. That and being far away from the isles bothered Eda, she would be further away from Raine and Luz would be away from Amity. She didn't like the idea but it was so far the best suggestion.
"I don't know, Luz. That island doesn't have food on it and if we're too far away from the isles then we won't be able to stop Belos's plan."
Luz frowned
"I know and I want to stop Belos too. But."
She looked down at the wanted poster again. Amity offered.
"Why not just send Hunter there with King. Both would be safe and away from Belos. That way we can stop Belos and not have to worry about them."
Eda hummed, that was a good idea but the thought of a mentally unstable teen with trust issues being left alone with another kid worried her. She couldn't leave Hunter alone, not after today, witnessing his breakdown.
"It's a good idea Amity, the only problem is Hunter. Leaving him alone is a bad idea and I don't want to leave him alone with King. Not after what happened this afternoon."
"What happened this afternoon!?"
They asked in unison. Eda looked at their worried expressions, Luz more so than Amity.
"He was having a fit and then snapped at me, so King snapped at him. When I told them to stop, Hunter didn't listen, he just belittled King and made him cry."
Luz grabbed her stomach.
"But they were okay, right? I mean Hunter didn't mean it, right?"
Eda sighed.
"No, Hunter didn't mean it. He immediately regretted yelling at King but…"
Luz and Amity leaned in.
"But?"
"But he had a complete meltdown afterward. So, leaving him alone is out of the question. Honestly, I'm glad you didn't see it, Luz."
Luz bit her lip. Amity sighed heavily.
"Well if we can't leave him alone then what can we do?"
"I don't know. I messaged Lily on my penstagram earlier. She said she would come by and help us figure it out."
They didn't know what to do. Eda sighed again but before she could say anything they heard a blood-curdling scream from the living room. They all looked over and bolted for the door. All three tiring to fit through the door, Eda, somehow being the first through the door. They looked at Hunter, the source of the sound. He was panting, holding his head, sweat covering his forehead, tears in his eyes. Luz and Amity felt their stomachs turn into knots at the sight of him. Amity was shocked, while Luz was mortified. Amity grabbed her necklace as she thought.
Eda said he would be okay. And he is clearly not okay….Is this really the same person I fought at Eclipse lake?… He's a mess!...No wonder he decided to dig his own grave, then go back to Belos empty-handed. Me, giving him that key may have spared him a few more weeks.
Luz frowned, holding her stomach, fighting back her budding anxiety.
Hunter…. What happened to you at that castle?…. What did Belos do to you, your whole life to make this happen?…. Is it my fault for distracting you on your mission the other day? For getting us trapped in his mind, for trusting the kid Belos?
Tears formed in Luz's eyes. Eda bit her lip.
Ah, nuts! I was hoping he would be fine and the moment I turned my back for ten minutes, this happened…. I should have known better…And when Luz and Amity were here… Great, he'll probably push me away again.
Eda approached him slowly, saying in a calm motherly tone.
"Hunter, it's okay. It was just a nightmare. You're okay. "
He started hyperventilating, his fears consuming him. He completely ignored Eda.
"Belos was… he was…"
Eda couldn't help it, a motherly instinct kicking in as she hugged him tightly. Rubbing his back in a soothing manner whispering to him that he was safe. His breathing hitched at the sudden warmth and affection Eda was providing. His breathing slowed as Eda soothed him. The panic attack subsided as exhaustion replaced it. He muttered.
"Sorry, Uncle."
He was back asleep. Eda relaxed as she laid him back down, sighing heavily as she wiped the tears away. She put herself back to how they were before Luz and Amity came home. She looked annoyed, covering his ears again.
"I do all the work here and he apologizes to Belos! Him, of all people! Why I outta turn Belos into a meat pie when I see him next!"
Luz swallowed.
"Eda… is this what he was like all day? Is this what Belos did to him? How, how, learning about Belos truly is, affected him?"
Eda looked down at him, concerned.
"Yeah. This is what he's really like. He's a mess. Broken, confused, angry. He doesn't even know how to ask for help without feeling like it's his fault."
Luz's legs trembled as she fell to the ground.
"Luz!?"
Amity yelled, worried. Luz started crying.
"Eda, it's all my fault if I didn't go after him at the night market he wouldn't have stepped on that potion by accident that brought us into Belos's mind in the first place. If I just minded my own business and left him alone like he wanted then I wouldn't have caused all this. I'm a screw-up and can't.…"
Amity slapped Luz. Luz held her cheek confused. Amity looked worried, angry, and like she was about to cry.
"It's not your fault Luz. If you didn't bother him then he would have ended up getting killed by Belos, eventually, anyway. You may have sped that clock up but you did it at the cost of saving his life. And you care about him and everyone you meet now please, don't say that. Cause I don't think I can take hearing you insult yourself after seeing what the effects of the Emperor did to Hunter."
Luz swallowed down her budding tears, rubbing her eyes.
"I'm sorry. You're probably right. Thanks, Amity."
The couple hugged as Amity helped Luz up. Eda smiled at them
Awe, how sweet.
"Edalyn! I came as soon as I could! An I… Um, am I interrupting something?"
Lilith came bursting through the front door, worried. Her worry fell as she looked at the scene she walked into. Eda was on the couch with some kid on her, Luz and her girlfriend hugging while Luz was crying. It was not what she was expecting. Lilith cocked an eyebrow confused.
"What's…going on here?"
Eda sighed
"It's a long story, Lily."
Lilith was sitting on the end of the couch at Hunter's feet. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she looked at all three of the women before her. Trying her best to process everything.
"Let me see if I'm understanding this correctly. Luz and this Hunter,"
Lilith glanced at him, annoyed.
"Who is really the Golden Guard, went into Belos's mind and saw what was going to happen on the day of unity. Then when the inner Belos found you two, he tried to kill the boy and told Luz his true plan. Which, if I understand, is to kill all witch and demonkind."
She looked at them all concerned. Eda shrugged at her.
"Yup! That's pretty much it Lily, so is there anything you can tell us that can stop the day of unity. Or anything about Hunter, like what Belos did to the kid?"
"Yeah, is there any way to stop Belos?... Or understand Hunter better?"
Luz added.
Lilith hummed, thinking for a moment before answering them.
"Well, I don't know anything about the day of unity. Belos kept it to himself and never told anyone anything about it in detail. Just that it was the Titan's will, which from what you told me was a lie. However, I do know a few things about the Golden Guard."
"Don't call him that!"
Luz, Eda, and Amity yelled in unison, Eda covering Hunter's ears again. Lilith recoiled at them.
"Oh uh, right my apologies. I know a little about… Hunter. Just basic things though. Like he's the Emperor's nephew. At, I believe six he was immediately put into the training regiment at the Emperor's coven. Where he trained and studied till he made it into the coven at the age of ten. At twelve he was given the title of the Golden Guard and given the staff of the Golden Guard. Along with the Emperor's coven sigil. Honestly, it's always just been work for him, if he did get a moment's rest he never said anything about it. I don't even think he has friends his own age, let alone anyone who knows what he actually looks like, besides you guys."
Eda rubbed her temple.
"That's it!?"
"Yes, Eda. I didn't have time to know about every little thing he did. I was busy running a coven, myself. Every time he came around me I tried to make him go away. He was pesky and arrogant and always hiding behind that mask… I know Darius liked him a bit more than I did due to the fact the previous Golden Guard was Darius' mentor. An Darius had told me once that Hunter was too obedient and needed to be a child, that the title of Golden Guard could wait. I didn't pay much attention to it since I had other priorities at the time."
She looked at Eda, crossing her arms, annoyed. Eda smirked at her. Luz sighed.
"So, you don't know anything about Belos hurting him or manipulating him."
Lilith looked at Luz, frowning.
"No. Belos never acted like his family whenever anyone else was around the two. That was a private affair between the two that none of us questioned."
"That's not very helpful. But if he's this messed up then I have an idea of what Belos might have done."
Amity added, a shiver running down her spine as she thought of some of the things her mother had done to her. She could only imagine something along those lines was done to Hunter at some point, possibly worse than what her mother had done to her. She sighed, getting up.
"Luz, it's getting late and I need to get home, or else my parents will freak out. But I promise I'll come back first thing tomorrow and try to help with a plan for stopping Belos and helping Hunter."
Luz smiled at her.
"Awe, Amity. That's so sweet of you. Alright, we'll see you tomorrow, my batata."
Amity blushed as she left. Luz smiled as Amity left. Turning back to Eda asking, sheepishly.
"Eda, are we having dinner? It is getting late."
Eda looked down at Hunter. He looked so peaceful as he slept. The black bags under his eyes, were lighter in color. Eda glanced up and looked at Lilith, with a pleading smile.
"Lily, my favorite sister."
"Edalyn, I'm your only sister."
Eda ignored her as she continued.
"Can you whip something up in the kitchen for these two? Because if I move, Hunter might wake up panicking."
"Won't he panic even if you don't move?"
Lilith retorted. Eda ignored her again.
"But if I wake him up nicely we won't have to deal with a panic attack and it's a win-win for all of us."
Luz looked at Lilith
"Lilith, can you please make something? I'm getting hungry and I really don't want to see Hunter panic again… It was haunting."
She shivered, recalling the scream she heard from him earlier that day. Lilith sighed, defeated.
"Alright."
Lilith made her way to the kitchen. Eda took a deep breath, Luz was watching her intently.
"Uh, Luz what are you doing?"
Luz glanced at her and then down to Hunter.
"I want to be here when he wakes up."
Eda's brow knitted in worry.
"Luz, that may not be a good idea."
"Yeah but Eda. He's been here all day with you, don't you think maybe seeing the other person who saw all the bad stuff might make him feel. I don't know less, alone."
Eda thought about her words for a moment, letting them sink in. Weighing the pros and cons of letting Luz stay. After a moment she smiled.
"All right, you can stay. Just don't grab him or startle him. I don't want to deal with any more panic attacks today."
Luz gave Eda a salute. Eda smiled at Luz, turning her attention back to Hunter. She placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking him lightly.
"Hunter, wake up. We're having dinner."
His face scrunched up but returned to normal. Eda shook a little harder.
"Hunter, I know you only slept for three hours but you need to eat. Please, wake up."
Flapjack chirped at him, aiding Eda. The bird's chirp did the trick as he groaned, sitting up, holding his head. Eda pouted.
Oh, sure he gets up for the bird but not me… Now Eda you're being childish he and his pailsman have a strong bond, like you and Owlbert. Flapjack helped me. Besides, if he didn't wake up soon I would have started shaking him too hard.
Hunter opened his eyes and saw Flapjack on his lap chirping at him, jumping happily. He grinned at him and patted his head.
"Hi, buddy."
His voice was a whisper. Luz cooed quietly to herself.
That's so adorable.
"Hey, Hunter. How do you feel?"
Hunter looked over to Luz, she was waving at him with a weird smile on her lips. Something about her immediately annoyed him. Eda placed her hand on his head which caused him to get up in a panic. He looked at the source of his discomfort and relaxed a bit. Eda wanted to frown but held it back.
"My, my aren't we jumpy."
He didn't respond to her, he breathed out and sat back down.
"Sorry."
Luz and Eda just looked at each other, sharing the same concerned face. Eda cleared her throat.
"Right… well I'll go help Lily with dinner. Luz why don't you and Hunter spend some time together."
Luz nodded as Eda headed off. Luz turned her attention to Hunter. He was staring at the ceiling. Luz smiled at him.
"Hey, Hunter."
Her voice betrayed her as the words sounded more worried than upbeat. Hunter sighed, defeat in his voice.
"What do you want?"
Luz winced at the tone.
He sounds so tired. Like he's sick or something.
Luz noticed him looking at her, cautiously. Watching her, wondering if she was going to do something to him.
He's afraid of me? No, that's not it, he just wants to see what I'll do… He looks awful, maybe a new shirt and a brush will do him some good.
Luz got up and extended her hand out to him.
"Here, why don't we go upstairs and see if Eda has another sweater for you. The sweater you're wearing is probably gross. And it looks like you could use a hairbrush."
Hunter picked his head up, narrowing his eyes at her, annoyed.
She's insulting me!... But maybe she's right I haven't…. I haven't exactly had a good day…
He sighed.
"Fine."
He got up and stood next to Luz. Luz was shocked, she was sure he would argue with her. Luz gave him a warm smile as she led him upstairs.
Eda sighed heavily as she sat down in one of the chairs at the table. Lilith stared at her, worried as she cut up some carrots.
"Eda, what's wrong?"
Eda swallowed down the cry that was climbing up her throat. Tears instead fell down her face. Lilith gasped.
"Eda, what's wrong!?"
Lilith approached her. Eda took a sharp breath trying to calm her building rage.
"Lily, it's just so much. Belos's plan is worse than I thought and now Luz is wrapped into it and Hunter. Ha, oh, Titan he's a mess. From the obvious abuse, he suffered to the complete breakdown he's having. And Luz is holding it together but for how long? She saw everything Belos did and she saw that she helped him, since he's that jerk, Philip. It's just…. Lily, they're kids, they shouldn't have to deal with this."
Lilith patted her shoulder.
"I know, Eda. We'll figure something out."
Eda wiped her tears away, regaining her composure.
"Yeah, I know…. So, what are you making?"
Lilith blushed lightly as she let go of Eda.
"Stew…. It's the only thing I can make without burning it."
Eda snorted.
"We had that yesterday, but stew is good comfort food and it's one of the few things that Luz can eat. Plus Hunter liked it… I think. He at least ate it. I still have leftovers we can use so it won't take as long."
Lilith smiled. As Eda joined in the food prep.
Eda was happy to see Luz and Hunter enter the kitchen for dinner. Eda quickly became impressed with Luz. She had somehow managed to get Hunter to brush his hair and gave him a different sweater to wear; this one was black with gray stripes on it. However, Eda's joy wouldn't last long as Hunter noticed Lilith. He immediately scowled at her hatefully, questioning why she was there. Lilith tried to answer him, however, he ignored her and only listened to Eda and Luz. Dinner quickly turned into a battleground between the two former coven heads. All Eda and Luz could do was watch, tiring to keep the peace between them. Which didn't last long when Lilith seemingly asked the wrong question.
"Hunter… Do you, uh, know anything about the day of unity?"
He dropped his fork and looked at her angrily.
"What?"
Eda and Luz looked between the both of them with bated breath. Lilith looked back at him.
What a face to make for a child. So, stern and cold.
"Well, you are Belos's, supposed nephew and former coven head of his coven. I just thought maybe you knew something that we don't."
"Lily, what are you doing?"
Eda asked, a hint of anger in her voice.
"I'm just making conversation with him. Even though he's been nothing but rude to me and besides he's the only one here with information about the day of unity... Or maybe not."
Lilith looked at him again, pity in her eyes. Hunter recognized the pity and immediately his blood boiled, he snapped at her.
"I don't have to tell you anything! You old bat. You failed your job too so don't even give me that look of pity."
"Old bat?!"
Lilith yelled back, surprised and angry.
"I am not an old bat! I'm not even that old!"
He rolled his eyes at her. Retorting
"You might as well be."
Lilith huffed.
"Clam down Lilith."
Eda commanded, her plea going unnoticed.
"Oh, no wonder no one liked you! You always spoke out of turn to your superiors and acted so smug, and bratty. When the Emperor wasn't around to scold you."
He cocked an eyebrow, tiring not to show how hurt he was by that statement.
"You're just a bratty kid! The bratty, pesky, Golden Guard!"
Lilith stated angrily. The three of them looked at her wide-eyed, with Eda and Luz looking at Hunter afraid. They didn't know what to say to him, the look of hurt on his face was enough to worry them. Lilith's anger and annoyance fell as she looked at Hunter. She swallowed.
"I, um…. I didn't."
Hunter scowled at Lilith.
"I am not the Golden Guard… Not anymore."
He punched the table in frustration as he got up and left heading into the living room. Eda sighed, placing her head in her hands as Lilith sighed heavily leaning into her chair, disappointed in herself. Luz followed after him, giving Lilith a questionable look. Her eyes asked why Lilith said that. Eda and Lilith were left alone as Luz went to talk to Hunter. Eda asked, exhaustion sinking into her voice.
"Why couldn't you play nice with the kid?"
"I'm sorry Eda. I messed up. I've never been on good terms with him and I guess all that frustration came forward at the worse possible time. I never should have raised my voice."
Eda sighed.
"You think."
The two siblings cleaned up. Luz looked as Hunter huffed, sitting down on the couch. Luz was surprised when he addressed her, asking for advice.
"Do you think she's right? That I'm nothing more than a pesky brat? Nothing more than the… Golden Guard."
"Uh…"
He immediately deflated, sighing.
"Maybe she's right? I was dumb enough to believe I had a life in this world."
Luz sighed, sitting next to him.
"Hunter, you're not dumb. And Lilith isn't right. You just… don't see eye to eye is all. I didn't like Lilith at first either."
He looked at her.
"Besides this is just a set back you'll be fine. You just… need to work on making friends."
He cocked an eyebrow at her, he wanted to argue but he didn't feel like it.
Eda and Lilith sat quietly watching Hunter and Luz. Luz was showing him glyphs, the only thing that seemed to interest him. It was the first time since he arrived in the owl house that he seemed relaxed. Watching as Luz drew glyphs showing them off and telling him what they did. Eda couldn't help but smile at the two.
Alright, he's better than earlier today. And thankfully the argument with Lily didn't cause him to shut down. The sleep and food probably helped with that but seeing him kind of happy is nice…. How long will that last? He's a ticking bomb of anxiety and anger... I don't know what to do with you kid. But I know I won't let Belos have you.
"Wanna try?"
Luz's question broke Eda's thought process. Her smile fell, as she tapped Lilith to watch them. The amazement in Hunter's eyes turned into panic as he snapped back.
"What!? No, it's wild magic. It's dangerous! And-"
He stopped himself before the lie he was so used to saying could leave his lips. Luz chuckled at him. He huffed.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing, just… We can do it together if you want. It's just a light glyph."
She pulled out a piece of paper and an extra pen, handing them to him. He looked at them, debating with himself. Flapjack nudged his cheek, tweeting happily. The cardinal's influence seemed to help as Hunter sighed, taking the pen and paper from Luz.
"Alright, we can… do this… together."
His voice was shaky. Luz smiled. Drawing the glyph slowly, as Hunter followed along. He looked at it in awe, knowing that he drew this. However, that wonder slowly turned into a nagging ball of fear. He argued with himself, staring at his drawing cautiously.
I drew it but…
Wild magic wiped out our family. I don't want to lose you too, Hunter.
Belos's words hissed at him. He shook the thought away.
That's a lie. And you know it. Flapjack is made from wild magic and he's the best thing that's ever happened to you…. And you've already used glyphs before when you escaped his mind…. So, just tap it.
He did it. He tapped it and watched as it turned into a ball of light. He looked at it awestricken. He had done magic before with his staff and with Flapjack but, he made this. Luz was about to say something but Hooty came in and spit something onto the floor. The girls and King yelled in disgust. Lilith yelled out.
"Hootcifer, that's really disgusting and uncalled for!"
"I'm sorry, LuLu. But some guy just came up to me and shoved it in my mouth."
"Some guy?!"
Eda asked, skeptically. They looked at it, it was a crystal ball, however, it was red.
"Hooty that thing could be boobie-trapped, get it out of here."
"Awe, but Eda last time you said that you got fancy flowers. An then a fancy potion from the flowers."
Eda gave him a deadpanned expression. She wasn't going to justify what he just said with an answer. Hunter looked away from his ball of light and saw the red crystal ball, his joy died as fear replaced it. He yelled.
"That's one of Belos's! It's like a recorded message but-"
"My, my you always were knowledgeable, Hunter."
The orb suddenly glowed, Belos standing in their living room. Everyone jumped, Eda grabbing Luz and Hunter, keeping them behind her. Eda growled as she swung her fist at him, it passed right through him. He smiled.
"Honestly, you didn't think I would actually come here in person did you, Owl lady?"
Eda growled.
"What do you want!?"
His eyes landed on Hunter, smiling. Hunter's stomach sank as he fought back his desire to go to him. Belos's cold, caring voice addressed them.
"I just want my grimwalker back. It's really quite bothersome leaving it in your care."
"You can't have, Hunter! You're just going to kill him and I won't let you!"
Eda hissed at him.
"What exactly do you want him for?"
Lilith inquired. Belos chuckled weakly.
"Lilith, surely you would understand. But I suppose not, you've never had an experiment betray you. I just want to know what makes it tick."
Hunter felt sick, as he gazed at the only person he ever cared about. Luz scuffed, angrily.
"That's sick! You can't just… that's just so… Why are you so evil!?"
Eda growled again.
"Get out of my house!"
He ignored them all, addressing Hunter.
"Hunter, surely you understand."
Hunter's blood ran cold, his hands shaking.
"You are after all the most intelligent witch here. You understand the consequences of your actions and…"
Belos stopped and hummed, amused. As he gazed at the cardinal in Hunter's hair.
"Where did you get that pailsman?"
Hunter's lip quivered, he insistently grabbed Flapjack protecting him. Belos glared at him with that cold, detached look in his eye, the one Hunter feared most.
"I.."
"That's none of your business."
Luz answered. Belos sighed
"No wonder you betrayed me, that thing always makes its way back to you one way or another."
"Wha?"
Hunter squicked out.
"Oh, well. It was bound to happen. And you were doing so well too…. Perhappens it's something with the bone of ortet? Something deep within the bone that causes the betrayal in every single one of you."
Belos wondered aloud to himself. He looked back at them, addressing Eda.
"So, will you return it or not. I will admit, I've never had to put out wanted posters before. It's quite a surprise. Usually I just get rid of them when they confront me about their suspicions. Thought this one escaped. I wonder if it's because you look the most like him?"
Eda hissed at him.
"Never! You can't have Hunter! He's my kid and I would never, ever give him to someone like you!"
He cocked an eyebrow, unamused.
"Your kid? *huh* So, be it. I'll just get rid of all of you."
"Wait!"
Hunter called out to Belos, Belos now looked amused.
"Kid, what are you doing?!"
Eda demanded as she grabbed him, worried he would go over to Belos and be taken away. He ignored her, swallowing down his fears.
"Uncl… Am I… Did you ever.. even care about me?"
I know the answer but… I want to hear it from you… Even though right now… it's obvious I mean nothing to you… But…. I can't say the same.
Tears sat in his eyes. Belos smirked at him amused.
"Of course not, you may look the most like him but I could never really care for a replacement. And who besides me would want you, Hunter. The Owl Lady? That's clearly a lie to get you to talk to them, once you give them what they want they'll discard you."
Hunter bit his lip, his throat burned from the tears he was holding back. His heart was breaking again, a part of him wanted to believe the lies Belos was saying. Luz's blood boiled.
"Replacement!? For who? That old friend you mentioned to me!? If you weren't so evil you wouldn't have had to do something like this. And Eda is not like you, she would never get rid of Hunter. Us, weirdos have to stick together."
Belos rolled his eyes at Luz's sentimental declaration. He hummed.
"Yes, well if that witch never lured us away none of this would have happened. But then again my brother was so easily swayed by a witch. So, it all worked out, his loss was for the greater good, anyway."
Luz's breath hitched.
Brother!? Greater good!? Did he!?
"Well, grimwalker, if you change your mind before you're captured let me know."
The glass ball stopped glowing and clattered to the ground. Everyone went silent.