Shadow Slave

Sunny knew how to write, of course. That said, he certainly did not have a lot of experience writing by hand, let alone had a signature — simply because people at large, and especially those in the outskirts, almost never used paper and pens to relay information. Why would they, if everything was usually stored digitally?

However, he was in a better position than most. Out there in the Dream Realm, many long-abandoned traditions had found a new life, so Sunny managed to scribble down his name on the piece of synthetic paper with at least some semblance of finesse.

Handing it back to Master Naeve of Night, he smiled awkwardly.

"Here. I… hope your daughter likes it."

The scion of the great clan received the piece of paper with gratitude and hid it in the pocket of his coat.

"Thank you very much. I am away a lot, so this will go a long way. Next time I see her, she will probably already be six… and terribly peeved that I've been gone for so long. Coming back with a present is bound to help!"

He looked at Sunny with genuine mirth. Then, a knowing spark gleamed in his strange indigo eyes.

Naeve gestured at the ocean and asked:

"You are not too comfortable on water, are you?"

Sunny lingered for a moment, then scoffed.

"You must have seen the movie yourself. Is it really a surprise that I have a complicated relationship with the sea?"

The handsome Master smiled.

"Oh, yes. I haven't thought about that, sorry. Still… at least you are familiar with it. Most people just don't understand."

understand. For a moment, the two men shared a strange feeling of closeness. Both

studied the massive silhouettes of the

chances of making it

Naeve laughed.

you. Sure, anything can happen. But this convoy is as safe as we

to the especially fearsome dreadnought that moved in front of

I spread around the other ships. There are also at least one cohort of experienced Awakened warriors of my clan on each vessel. We know what we are doing, so… very few things

a moment, then added in

to make the journey many times, bringing the refugees away and returning with reinforcements for the government army. Each of the four fleets was made to be nearly indestructible. Still… that doesn't

at the handsome

thing, more or less. I may be lacking in many regards, but being unreasonably paranoid is not one

Naeve smiled.

truly remarkable trait to have.

***

his leave. Master Naeve had turned out to be unexpectedly friendly and pleasant to

a lot better about his current circumstances. He had also grown

patronage of a Sovereign, but wielded an irreplaceable power. That unique advantage had carved a

what was that

person, Sunny all but confirmed his suspicion. The feeling Naeve gave him was somewhat similar to what he had experienced twice before — one time in the shrine at the fourth level of the Ebony Tower, the other

depths, oceans, darkness, stars, travel, guidance, and disaster. The aspects of the Goddess of the Black Skies were all eerily related to the role the House of Night

clan, an enigmatic Awakened of the First Generation known as

then… all six divine

Night had inherited the lineage

Flame had inherited the