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?!

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

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

a glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

why I was looking. How are you that

glanced at the granite slab, then

that. That's my Aspect Ability. It's a

it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted,

in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress

would she just admit what her Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless

his surprise, Effie

not like it's a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do

a mischievous glint

anyone is insane enough

it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create

and shook

was fun, not

men, as well. Out here in the Dark City, where food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a

Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it could do to

Perhaps she had become a huntress

have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water and

I said not

at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'