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.

my ass… who does she think she is?! Wait… why

blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and

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

of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

I mean, that's not why I was looking. How are you that

granite slab, then at

Aspect Ability. It's a strong

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

Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to

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

his surprise,

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

mischievous glint in

anyone is insane enough to share

the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of gnawed bones, for the fun

laughed and

it was fun, not gonna

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

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

place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not

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

not to get

at him and cackling.

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'