"I need to speak to the Emperor, and you're going to be the one to make that happen."
The room fell silent once more. Dhalad's smile faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a flicker of something akin to fear. But it was quickly masked, replaced by an oily veneer of amusement.
"The Emperor, eh?" he chuckled, the sound laced with a hint of danger. "And what makes you think I have the power to arrange such a meeting?"
Hiro's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Because, Dhalad," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "you need me alive just as much as the Emperor does. Perhaps even more."
The words were simple, yet they carried the weight of a thousand blades. Dhalad felt a prickle of fear crawl up his spine. This wasn't a negotiation; it was a declaration of intent.
