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.

does she think she is?! Wait… why am

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

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

of his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

the granite slab,

my Aspect Ability.

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

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

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

his surprise, Effie

like it's a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what

mischievous glint in

is insane

also does the same with all my physical needs.

laughed and shook her

it was fun,

the price for having 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 force a person to hunt more, and therefore risk injury and death more than anyone else would have

not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real

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

Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water and food, then… uh…

said not to

Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he gritted his teeth

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'