— The Emperor's Palace —
Varenthus, the First Eye and the symbol of authority, had summoned the other Eyes to the palace. They were gathered in their designated meeting room—a small, dimly lit chamber hidden within the secret corridors of the palace, illuminated only by the faint flickering of candles. They sat around a circular table.
Varenthus spoke with a cold, commanding tone.
"The Emperor has ordered this assembly. He wants the fugitive half-breed captured immediately. However, the Emperor has more pressing matters to attend to regarding the Surface-dwellers. Find the boy, and find him now."
Equinox, the Fifth Eye representing Judgment, cast a mocking glance at Draax.
"Draax and Valeria found the boy's home. If we scour the surrounding regions, we'll find him. A child cannot have wandered far."
Draax looked bored, leaning back.
"Why are we just searching? That place is right on the border. Let's just annihilate everyone there. The boy will crawl out of the ashes."
Xenon, the Fourth Eye representing Intelligence, interjected.
"War should be our last resort if we fail to find him. Committing such an act near the border would echo across the lands. We cannot afford the interference of other nations."
Equinox's eyes flared.
"He is the son of a traitor, and he stole something that belongs to us. He must be punished. But the Emperor wants him alive... I find that distasteful."
Valeria spoke up calmly.
"You can carry out your judgment once the Emperor is finished with him. Don't be so impatient."
The heavy door creaked open. One of the Emperor's servants entered and bowed.
"The Emperor awaits you."
Varenthus stood up, gesturing for the others to follow. They rose in unison and marched toward the Emperor's throne room. As they reached the grand entrance, the massive doors swung open without a single touch. The Emperor had sensed their arrival and opened them from his seat.
An oppressive aura filled the room, making it feel as though death itself was lurking in the air. The throne was shrouded in shadow, leaving the Emperor's face obscured in darkness. They advanced and dropped to their knees.
The Emperor's voice resonated, vibrating deep within their minds.
"You have yet to find a single child. I am beginning to contemplate your executions. Bring him to me. That necklace is mine... and the boy belongs to me as well. I want them both."
Varenthus dared to speak.
"Mighty Emperor, do not worry. He will be here soon."
The Emperor raised his hand. Suddenly, a violent wind whipped through the chamber. Varenthus blinked, and in an instant, he realized he was alone. The others had vanished.
"Varenthus, I want the boy," the powerful voice echoed once more. "I have business with the Surface-creatures. If the boy is not here by the time I am finished, I may have to kill one of you. And keep an eye on Draax. He would never betray me, but he might defy orders for the sake of his own amusement. Now... begone."
With a sharp downward motion of his hand, Varenthus found himself expelled from the room. He saw the others waiting for him in the corridor. After collecting himself, he approached them with a rigid posture.
"We depart tomorrow. We must hurry. I will inform each of you of your destinations by this evening."
One by one, they vanished. But Draax did not leave. Instead, he stepped back into the throne room. The Emperor, seemingly slightly surprised at failing to sense Draax's approach, straightened in his seat.
"Draax. Why have you returned?"
Draax could hear the simmering anger, but he maintained his stance.
"Mighty One, I ask your permission to speak freely. I know how much you desire the hybrid boy. But I ask that you allow me to watch him. If he manages to master the necklace, it would allow us to witness the realization of your ultimate project. Once we seize him, he will be of much greater use because he will already know how to wield it."
The Emperor stared in silence.
"I know you simply wish to fight him, Draax. But there is logic in your words. If you find him first, observe and follow. Do as you wish. But if the others find him, I may not be so lenient."
"Mighty One, everything I do is for you,"
Draax replied, backing away.
He exited the room, whistling with a triumphant smirk. As he stepped out of the palace, he noticed a scrap of fabric in his hand—it was smoldering with a magical ember.
The Emperor had slipped it into his palm without him even noticing. On it, a single name was written: "Khural".
The Mighty One was aiding him. After letting out a chilling laugh, Draax vanished into thin air.