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

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

That slab of granite had to weigh a couple

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

glanced at the granite slab, then

Aspect Ability. It's a strong all-around

not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient

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

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

surprise, Effie

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

a mischievous

anyone is insane enough to

all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of

and

was fun, not gonna

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

its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what

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

Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air,

I said not to

at Effie, who was staring at him

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'