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.

ass… who does she think

granite that blocked the exit from the

had to weigh

his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

that's not why I was looking. How

granite slab, then at

Aspect Ability. It's

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

City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical lord of the

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

surprise,

like it's a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do

mischievous glint

As if anyone is insane enough

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

laughed and

it was fun,

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

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

place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she

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

not to

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'