Shadow Slave

Nothing about the situation made sense... Sunny and Nephis tentatively came to terms with the fact that Cassie had replaced Dusk of Fallen Grace, but now they were struck by yet another revelation.

Sunny did not know why the blind girl was shackled yet, but his mind had already entered a state of battle readiness... just in case. Not showing any emotions, he briefly glanced at the two deaf guards.

The sword and the cord they wielded were suddenly much more sinister. If the guards were meant to protect the city from Cassie...

Then the sword was meant to cut her down, while the cord was meant to strangle her.

'How strong can these old Masters be?'

Sunny was mentally calculating the swiftest way to kill them guards when a sudden thought sent a chill running down his spine.

His first impulse had been dictated by the deeply ingrained desire to protect Cassie... but why were the guards there, in the first place?

Looking at the beautiful young woman sitting on the white throne, wearing golden shackles, Sunny had to wonder if he should be thinking of a way to protect himself from her, instead.

She sighed.

"You don't have to worry. I'm not in danger, nor do I represent danger. It's just that... well, it's a long story. I'll explain. But first..."

Standing up, Cassie smiled and descended from the dais.

"Let me climb off that throne. It feels really odd to be looking down on you from up high."

She approached them with light steps. Her delicate figure was accentuated by the vibrant red fabric of the archaic dress, which contrasted starkly against the white marble of the grand hall. Her movements were swift and graceful... before Sunny could really decide whether he should be on guard or not, Cassie was already near.

raised her

gave Nephis a

you... I really

held Neph in an embrace for a few moments, then sighed and let go. A bright smile bloomed on Cassie's face. Turning to Sunny, she hesitated a bit, then gently gripped

chain

glad

froze, then awkwardly patted

I don't get

again, that was not the

of relationship did they have,

he had to describe it with one word, though,

happy to see him. He

do you mind explaining what is going

dimmed a little. She hesitated for a moment, then

not here... this hall is too oppressive.

old guards did not seem concerned by the fact that their ward was moving around freely. They simply walked behind them

ominous, but Cassie did not seem

the maze-like interior of the temple with practiced ease... which wasn't that surprising, considering that she must

a pyre of white flame rising high into the crimson sky from it... this was the flame they had noticed from afar, and which guided them

a few moments, bathing

a while, she said

need to maintain the flame

to a small

be tired after spending so long on the

fruit, crystal pitchers of wine, and savory snacks. Cassie did not have to ask them twice, since Sunny and Nephis were indeed tired after the long journey, hungry, and