Shadow Slave

Sunny did not know how many revolutions it had taken him to become aware of the loop. However, he knew that around two months had passed since he did - that was how much longer it had taken for Cassie to join him in knowing the truth.

Standing on the deck of the Chain Breaker, Sunny stared at the blind girl intensely. He was feeling a strange mix of emotions... relief and gratitude, to start with. He was incredibly elated at the thought of sharing the burden of escaping Wind Flower with someone, especially someone as resourceful and steady as Cassie.

But at the same time, there was a note of unease in his heart.

How exactly had she come to know about the loop? And why?

For him... it was because of the Sin of Solace.

Sunny remained silent for a few moments, then suddenly took a step forward and asked, his voice grim:

"You see him too, don't you? Admit it. I know you do."

The blind girl tilted her head a little, an expression of confusion appearing on her face.

"See... who? I don't understand."

Sunny hesitated for a moment.

Was she telling the truth? Or was she only pretending to be oblivious to the Sin of Solace?

If it was the latter... he had to give Cassie and her acting skills credit. She would be a much better liar than he had ever suspected her to be, if that was the truth.

But why would she hide it? To spare them both the embarrassment, perhaps... gods knew, Sunny would not want anyone to hear the things his inner demon whispered into his ears every day.

the loop, and why it had taken her longer to become aware of it. She could only perceive the Sin of Solace by using her Ascended Ability on Sunny, after all,

necessarily the case that she could see and hear the hateful apparition. In fact, it was far more likely that Cassie was telling the truth - the Sin of Solace only existed in Sunny's

girl had always been able to feel and perceive things that none of them could... it was not outside the realm

been sincerely confused by his question. Sunny simply did not

He frowned a little.

the sword wraith that follows me around. You can't

for a few moments, then smiled

see him?

blue eyes, making Sunny cough

what I meant was...

Sin of Solace or not? Sunny would prefer it if she couldn't, but if she could and was willing to pretend otherwise... that was fine, as

Abilities not only allowed her to learn secrets, but also gave her no choice but to learn them. To spare herself and the people to whom those secrets

was what Sunny

silent for a while, and

You really remember? That is great

and how

was so much

achieve would double. Everything that

and Cassie did not need to pursue all these goals together. They could split up and

to do without his help. He would have to teach her everything he had come to know, as well... even

more than sixty revolutions. She had to benefit from the groundwork he had laid before

to teach her about the island and the abominations

turned to face the mist. The soft lines of her delicate face twisted

remember. But it seems so odd.

She lowered her head.