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.

she think she is?! Wait… why am

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 skin,

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

the granite slab,

my Aspect Ability.

warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and

essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the

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

surprise,

mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can

was a mischievous glint in

if anyone is insane

all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of gnawed bones, for the fun of

laughed and

it was fun, not

City, where food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a curse that could force a person to hunt more, and therefore risk injury and death more than

but not Sunny. He knew what hunger,

out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to,

thought, a little confused.

not to

Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed,

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'