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…

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

had to weigh

of his stare, Effie raised an

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

granite slab, then

Ability. It's a strong all-around physical

a very rare and 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,

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

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

his surprise,

a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to

was a mischievous

right. As if anyone is insane enough

also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate

and shook her

was fun, not

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

He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it

out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because she

needs do people have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water and food, then…

said not to

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'