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."

moment, the two men shared a strange feeling of closeness. Both had known the unfathomable dread of the depths, which was a rare thing these

the iron ships for a few

what are our chances of making it

Naeve laughed.

I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Sure, anything can happen. But this convoy is as safe as we can make

especially fearsome dreadnought that moved in front

Nightwalkers such as 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 can threaten

of the great clan lingered for a moment, then added in a more

be nearly indestructible. Still… that doesn't mean that our passengers

the handsome man and

whole thing, more or less. I

Naeve smiled.

remarkable trait to have. I

***

few more minutes before taking his leave. Master Naeve had turned out to be unexpectedly friendly and pleasant to be around. He was not at all like the arrogant representatives of

lot better about his current circumstances. He had also grown

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

was that advantage,

his suspicion. The feeling Naeve gave him was somewhat similar to what he had experienced twice before — one time in the

disaster. The aspects of the Goddess of the Black Skies

certain now that the founder of the great clan, an enigmatic Awakened of the First Generation

all six divine lineages are

Night had inherited the lineage

the lineage of