The Emperor’s Hand by Lianis Salum
“Darkness never dies.”
Emperor Yviss has ruled for nearly two centuries with a firm grasp over the lands. Some say he’s simply Crystalborn- A species of people that are more than human- and some say that he is a god. The god of darkness, no less.
Vite always knew he would have to fight. He was Crystalborn, after all. Like the rest of his people, he was hunted and sold to an Arena to fight for the entertainment of the rich. Yet suddenly, the Emperor takes an interest in Vite, and his entire life is changed. He now has no choice but to live under the terrifyingly manipulative grasp of Emperor Yviss, and is sent on a treacherous journey full of magic, combat, deception, and intrigue in an attempt to hunt down a mythical sword. To make things worse, Vite’s best friend has also been taken under the Emperor’s guidance, and may be plotting to kill him underneath Yviss’ schemes. Only one thing is clear. Vite needs to escape this hell his life has become.