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 am I

instructions, the huntress turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive skin, making for

to weigh a couple of tons, at

of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

mean, that's not why I was looking.

glanced at the granite

Aspect Ability. It's a strong

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, Effie was like one of those ancient heroes Neph sometimes talked about. Especially since

the Dark City. All those shards the

like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless reality of

surprise,

with a pair of eyes knows what my

was a mischievous glint in her

anyone is insane enough

physical needs. Why do you think I

laughed and

fun, not

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

scoff at its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt

had become

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

I said not to

who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'