Shadow Slave

After about a month of living in the outer settlement, Sunny woke up one morning with the feeling of not belonging anywhere in this world. This familiar feeling had pursued him for most of his life, and had returned recently after being gone for some time.

With a sigh, he rose from his narrow cot and summoned the Puppeteer's Shroud. The stone lodge was already full of sounds and voices. The tempting smell of breakfast filled the air.

Coming out of his small room, Sunny saw a bunch of Neph's helpers rushing here and there, busy with various tasks. Some of them stopped to greet him, others did not. He paid no attention to them and went outside to wash his face and take a look at the sky.

The grey sky of the Forgotten Shore looked as it always did. Nothing ever really changed in this loathsome hell.

On his way back, Sunny noticed a gaunt figure standing hesitantly near the doors of the lodge. The ragged young man looked very familiar.

Reaching into his memory, Sunny identified him as the friendly, but nervous receptions from the castle. His clothes were much less clean and tidy than they had been before, and his face had become even thinner.

The young man had clearly seen better days.

'What is he doing there?'

Coming closer, Sunny called out to the young man:

"Uh… Harper, right? How come you're here?"

Harper flinched, then looked at him with anxious eyes:

"Oh… Sunless! It's, uh… it's so nice to see you."

Sunny stared at him for a while, then asked bluntly:

"Did they kick you out of the castle?"

Harper's face instantly fell. Lowering his gaze, he stayed silent for a few moments, and then said quietly:

"I haven't been able to pay the tribute anymore. So… yes. I guess they did."

Then he glanced up, hesitated, and asked in a weak voice:

"I… I heard that I can get some food here?"

Sunny tried to give him a reassuring smile.

"Sure. Usually, we give out meat after the hunts. But if you're hungry right now, I'm certain there's something we can do. Just talk to… uh… a girl with red hair. She's in charge of breakfast, I think."

Harper smiled, too, the weak light of hope igniting in his eyes.

"Really? They will just give me a meal for free?"

Sunny shrugged.

uh, doesn't matter. They help around, doing this and that, to express their gratitude, I guess. If you feel guilty just eating for free, ask them for some chore. This

gaunt young man inside, Sunny directed him toward

If this went on, he would have to share

the main hall, he noticed Nephis and Caster standing near the window, discussing the approaching hunt. This morning, there were several hunters from other parties surrounding them. The cohort had been planning a big joint hunt for a while now, and today was

they just... start without

to the group of hunters and greeted them. Caster smiled at him, while

If you knew who stands

Sunny listened to

good choice, but the Awakened creatures living there have an incredibly sharp hearing. Attacking them in large

pieces of furniture came from the ruins, some were made right here by the craftsmen of the outer settlement. There were monster hides and decorations hung on the walls, making the space look

prosperous Awakened cohort. There was even a large map of the Dark City on one of the walls, with various

pointing at a particular spot

to dwell in these

Caster shook his head.

formidable those bizarre creatures are. I still

something that he could

I have a

the conversation.

inhaled deeply, waited for a few

we can use one of

come up with a brilliant idea. Everyone listened to him, turning their backs to Sunny. It was as though he

what's even

there for a minute or two, feeling awkward, angry, and

to the roof of the lodge, he climbed on top of the second-storey addition and sat there, solemnly watching as the sun slowly climbed up. After a while, Sunny sighed and closed

he had expected, no one even noticed his absence. Not surprised, he sent the shadow around the lodge, watching all the people who

seemed full of energy, enthusiasm, and a sense

he the only one who

Harper, had already found some friends. He was

Sunny frowned.

right with Harper. He couldn't put his finger

do: helping people, learning their names, and asking questions about how things worked in the Changing Star's party. It seemed as though he

But something was wrong.

into the slum. With the shadow stealthily following him from behind, the gaunt young man made sure that no one saw him and hurriedly dove into a secluded alley. Deep in the darkness

recognizing one of the high-ranking Guards

what all

at Harper and asked in

"Well?"

his fear and anxiousness

sir. I've done what you

The Guard smiled.

do

glanced up, a desperate light