Shadow Slave

Changing Star's words brought the room to dead silence. On both sides of it, people were slowly preparing themselves, dark resentment burning in their eyes. It felt as though the tension reached critical mass and was about to explode into a storm of violence.

Only three people remained calm and unaffected by the direness of the situation: Nephis herself, Sunny… and Tessai.

The giant bared his canines in a grin. His eyes, however, remained cold as ice.

"What a… revelation. And here I was, thinking that you are a great defender of justice. Were you not, Changing Star? Or is your sense of justice reserved only for the crimes of those who don't serve you?"

He sighed and added, his voice full of disappointment:

"That huntress of yours is accused of murder. Why are you trying to prevent me from bringing her to justice? I thought that you, of all people, would not get in the way of fairness."

Nephis frowned.

"Accused does not mean convicted. Why do you claim that she is guilty?"

Tessai stared at her and said, his low voice sending tremors through the stone hall:

"There is plenty of evidence. There are plenty of witnesses. So many people came forward to give a testimony! Her guilt is undeniable. How will you answer that, Changing Star?"

Sunny smiled slightly.

'How peculiar. So many people apparently saw Effie slaughter those fools. Did I imagine killing them or what? I was a bit crazy at the time, to be fair. Ha.'

Before Nephis could answer, Kai suddenly took a step forward and shouted:

"That is impossible! I…"

a stern look. The charming young man hesitated, then gritted his teeth and

Star turned to the imposing giant

can. I have been away from the Dark City for so long, and wasn't informed of these… developments. If this is the case, then by

at her with an amused expression. Sunny did not take

from her face, replaced by

those witnesses. And,

With a deep frown, he looked down on Neph from his oppressive height and said

you think that you can

suddenly shone with furious white light. In a voice that promised agony and death, she said with

going to

her with a complicated expression. It seemed as though he

a mask, though. A masterful performance to hide

Triumph and jubilation.

come here with the excuse of bringing Effie to justice, but his true goal had always been Nephis. She was the one Gunlaug wanted to destroy. And now, she was bringing herself to him, like a lamb

Star was as far from a lamb as one could

demon in sheep's

resembled pity. Meanwhile, Tessai slowly shook his head

Do as you wish. Come with me to the Castle, if you want. Bring

***

exited the lodge. Tessai was walking in the front, holding the tall huntress by the shoulder. Her hands were tied behind her back with a flimsy rope — more of a symbolic

and the members of Changing Star's faction were right behind them, throwing menacing looks at each other. Their faces were grim and full of resentful indignation. Sunny had hidden himself in the crowd, not wishing to draw any attention. Now, he was moving with it, feeling the restless agitation through the chaotic movement of

more and more slum dwellers surrounded them, their faces full of shock and

"They got Effie!"

"Bastards! Let her go!"