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.

equations my ass… who does she think she is?! Wait… why am I

rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit

had to weigh a

his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

why I was

glanced at the granite slab,

my Aspect Ability. It's a strong

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

Dark City. All those shards the

that was not a wise

surprise,

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

mischievous glint in her

is

attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think

and shook her

was fun,

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

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

was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress

other physical needs do people have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water

I said not to get

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'