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…

slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive skin, making for a picturesque

slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons,

of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

no! I mean, that's not why I

the granite

Ability. It's a

flashy as many others, it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient heroes Neph sometimes talked

large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those

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

his surprise,

It's not like it's a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you

was a mischievous glint in

anyone is insane enough to

physical needs. Why do you think I ate

laughed and shook her

fun,

food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw

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

in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted

people have?" Sunny thought, a little

said not to get

was staring at him

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'