Shadow Slave

The Black Skull was a death trap, so no one would be able to escape the Nightmare Desert through its Gateway. However, there was at least one other Citadel in this infernal region of the Dream Realm - the Tomb of Ariel.

The black pyramid that always loomed just beyond the horizon like an ominous mirage, but never grew closer no matter how far one went into the sea of white dunes. One of the main reasons why the great clans had come to Antarctica, in the first place.

Now that the expeditionary forces of both clans had been wiped out and the daughters of Ki Song fully withdrew from the race, Morgan decided to make one last, desperate attempt to reach the daemon's tomb.

Which was a piece of good news for Sunny and other members of the cohort. Sunny knew that reaching the pyramid was their best - and, perhaps, only - chance of getting out of the desert alive. The others understood, as well. Having a powerful Saint and a princess of Valor with them was a great boon.

Summer Knight and Morgan could make the lethal task of traversing the Nightmare Desert slightly less impossible to accomplish.

There was just one problem...

Without showing any emotion, Sunny stared at the reflection of Mordret through the shadows. The Prince of Nothing looked rather chilling... he was terribly wounded, his armor battered and covered in blood. Where one of his hands was supposed to be, there was now only a bloody stump. Even one of his eyes was gone, replaced by a gaping hole.

He looked like a corpse.

Nevertheless, there was a familiar smile on Mordret's face.

"Sunless. Ah, I am so glad to see you in good health!"

Maintaining a calm facade, Sunny furtively glanced at his companions. None of them seemed to have heard Mordret's voice... it appeared that it was being transmitted directly into his head. Maybe what Mordret was actually talking to was not Sunny, but instead Sunny's reflection. In any case, it was a little disconcerting.

'Great. Now I hear even more voices...'

Mordret lowered his bloody arm and coughed awkwardly.

"Oh, right. I guess you can't answer without announcing my presence to everyone. How about you nod once or twice to indicate..."

reached out to the reflection with

to act as if nothing had happened, he sent a mental message

head and go die

Mordret blinked.

can actually

sighed. He was really

would I want to talk to you, bastard? This is all your fault! If not for your machinations, there would have been no battle. Then, I wouldn't be stuck in

Nothing looked at him with a

how was I supposed to know that you would decide to participate in it on my family's side? After all, it was you who told me over and over again that you didn't want to have anything to do with the great clans. So... blaming me for everything

Mordret's smile widened.

person that I am, I'm willing to put my

tempted to turn his head

he completely

He slowly exhaled.

[...What do you want?]

shifted slightly, avoiding a random glance from Sir Gilead. Then, he looked at

reaching the Tomb of Ariel. I suppose you are

Sunny frowned slightly.

Why wouldn't I be tempted? The Black Skull is now in the hands of a great abomination... thanks to a certain someone.

stared at him with

Don't listen to my sister, Sunless - she is young and inexperienced. In fact, none of you can reach

members of the

yeah? How

of

it once, and fail. So, let me ask you a question - if a Sovereign failed to reach the Tomb of Ariel, what