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.

doing this and that, to express their gratitude, I guess. If you feel guilty just eating for free, ask them for some chore.

inside, Sunny

on, he would have to share his room with some

there were several hunters from other parties surrounding them. The cohort had been planning a big joint hunt for a while now,

just... start

the group of hunters and greeted them. Caster smiled at him, while Nephis simply nodded. The other hunters

knew who stands

himself with these childish thoughts, Sunny listened to the discussion. One

but the Awakened creatures living there have an incredibly sharp hearing. Attacking them

Some of the new pieces of furniture came from the ruins, some were made right here

was even a large map of the Dark City on

the hunter was pointing at a particular

known to dwell in these parts. They hibernate during the day, so if

Caster shook his head.

know how formidable those bizarre creatures are. I still think that south of the lighthouse

could

have a bell

of the conversation. No one

deeply, waited for a few

we can use one of my two sound-producing

come up with a brilliant idea. Everyone listened to him, turning their backs

what's even the damn

feeling awkward, angry, and utterly stupid. Then he

addition and sat there, solemnly watching as the sun slowly climbed up.

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

energy, enthusiasm, and a sense

only one who couldn't fit

castle, Harper, had already found some friends. He was currently helping the red-haired girl who was in charge

Sunny frowned.

right with Harper. He couldn't put his finger on it, but the gaunt

just what any newcomer would do: helping people, learning their names, and asking questions about how things worked in the Changing Star's party. It seemed as though he wanted very badly to stay in

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 of that alley, a man was waiting

of the high-ranking Guards from the

what all this

Guard, meanwhile, glared at Harper and asked in a

"Well?"

down, his fear

done what

The Guard smiled.

seems that you really do want

desperate light igniting in