Shadow Slave

In the morning, they set out for the castle.

Before leaving the safe haven of the granite tower, Effie gave them a list of instructions:

"Follow behind me. Listen to everything I say. Don't make any noise. Don't bleed. Don't think too much. Some of the creatures out there can hear noisy thoughts, others can sense strong emotions. So don't feel fear, either."

Sunny stared at her with a grim expression. How was he supposed to control what he feels?

The vigorous huntress grinned.

"What? You never tried to solve math equations in your head to impress a lovely lady? Just do the same."

As Sunny's сheeks began to turn bright red, she giggled and turned to Cassie and Neph:

"Correction. The two of you, try not to feel fear. Doofus, you try not to get too excited. If walking behind me turns out to be too much, ask to get slapped, alright?"

Sunny scowled and uttered through gritted teeth:

"That… won't be a problem."

Effie blinked a couple of times, then smiled.

"Ah! Playing for the other team? I see, I see…"

What… what was that supposed to mean?!

Trying to get his emotions under control, Sunny took a deep breath and counted to ten.

who does she think she is?! Wait… why

turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to

That slab of granite had to weigh

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

mean, that's not why I was looking. How are you

the granite slab, then at

Ability. It's a strong

was… a very rare and powerful Ability to have. While not as flashy as many others, it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but

City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical lord of the

why would she just admit what her Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not in

surprise, Effie

what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you what my Flaw is

mischievous glint in her

anyone is insane enough to share

my physical needs. Why

laughed and

was fun,

having the strength of many men was to have the hunger of many men, as well. Out here in the Dark City, where food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a

but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it could do

was the reason why Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted

a little confused. "Air, then water

I said not to get

was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed,

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'