I trust you'll come alone...

"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.