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.

ass… who does she think she is?!

that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive

granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong was the

his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

I mean, that's not why I was looking. How

the granite

that. That's my Aspect Ability.

not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient heroes Neph sometimes talked about. Especially since that boost seemed to be

likely absorbed a very large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical lord of the castle had

that was not

his surprise, Effie

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

mischievous

right. As if anyone is insane

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

laughed and shook

was fun, not

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

people would scoff at its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what

reason why Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because she simply didn't have

thought, a little confused. "Air, then

said not to

at him and cackling.

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'