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.

think she is?! Wait… why

blocked the exit from the

back and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons,

a glimpse of his stare, Effie

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

why I was looking. How

the granite

Aspect Ability. It's a strong

but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those

in the Dark City. All those shards the

not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless reality of the Forgotten

surprise,

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

a mischievous

if anyone is

very simple! My Aspect not only enhances all my physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think

and

was fun, not gonna

for 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 curse that could force a person to hunt more, and therefore risk injury and death

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

first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to,

a little confused. "Air,

said not to get

who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed,

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'