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 am I

that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles

granite had to weigh a couple of

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

no! I mean, that's not why I was looking. How are

at the granite slab, then

that. That's my Aspect Ability.

powerful Ability to have. While not as 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,

years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical

Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not

surprise, Effie

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

mischievous

if anyone is insane enough to share

same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough

laughed and shook her

it was fun, not

men, as well. Out here in the Dark City, where food was scarce and hard to come

severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt

Perhaps she had become a huntress not

a little confused. "Air, then

said not

at Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he gritted his

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'