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.

does she think she is?! Wait… why am I

her instructions, the huntress turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive

at her back and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong was

of his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

that's not why I

glanced at the granite slab, then

Aspect Ability. It's a

With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient heroes Neph sometimes

she had most likely absorbed a very large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All

not a wise thing to do, especially

his surprise, Effie

a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you what my Flaw

mischievous glint in her

right. As if anyone is insane

also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you

and shook

it was fun,

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,

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

Perhaps she had become a huntress

do people have?" Sunny thought, a

said not to

who was staring at him and

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'