Shadow Slave

Finding themselves back on the deck of the Chain Breaker, Cassie and Sunny did not waste any time. After bringing Jet back, they sent her and Nephis to find Effie. Then, they hurried toward Aletheia's Tower.

By now, traversing this area of the misty forest had become a routine for them. They knew just where to go, and when. Nevertheless, both of Cassie's Echoes had to be sacrificed along the way.

Now that they did not have to study the runes cut into the black cliff, there was even some time to rest while they waited for dusk. Hidden away from the killing field surrounding the tower, they shared a haphazard meal and waited.

Sunny studied Cassie's face in the darkness. She seemed calm and collected... but he knew that she had to be struggling to stay sane just as much as he had struggled after living through his own first few revolutions.

Aletheia's Island... was just too cruel and harrowing of a hell. In fact, Sunny was not sure what his mental state would have been if Cassie had not joined him in the knowledge of the loop. Having someone steady to share the burden... was truly a blessing.

Perhaps that was the reason the blind girl seemed less affected by the gruesome things they had lived through here. Unlike him, she had always had a partner to support her.

Still...

He hesitated for a moment, then asked:

"How are you doing?"

Cassie smiled.

Her smile was faint and fleeting, just like it had been ever since their meeting in Fallen Grace.

"I am fine."

Sunny wanted her to say more, but Cassie kept herself closed off. It was strange, really... there had been a time when they were close as siblings, and a time when they were like strangers. The ice between them thawed eventually, but it took Sunny a long time to want to mend their relationship. Now that he was trying, though... Cassie seemed unwilling.

He simply did not know what was happening in that head of hers. Actually, he suspected that no one knew - even Nephis, who was the closest to the blind girl, could not tell what Cassie was thinking.

Perhaps that was the curse of being a seer.

Sunny sighed.

too oblivious about these

he had to try, at

to

Cassie nodded.

It means

as if she was

head slightly, Sunny rose

"It's almost time."

destroyed the enchantment protecting Aletheia's tower, led Devouring Beast to the released Nightmare Creatures, and slipped past them. Ascending the stone steps, they opened the gate of the tower and hid inside,

and Cassie arrived at Wind Flower's

here was the same. Calling upon Nightmare, Sunny approached the perfectly preserved bed and looked

her exquisite face were soft and lovely. Her wavy hair was like glistening

sight. Sunny found it hard not to let his heart be moved as he

itself seemed warmer and softer around her,

He sighed.

Cassie, you... stay safe.

shadows. Nightmare was already waiting for him in their embrace - his vast form wrapped itself around

They were somewhere else.

were exactly where

floor of Aletheia's Tower.

the chamber was drowned in bright light that poured through the windows - Nightmare had to hide in the deep shadows in the corner of the spacious room to avoid

'That's... not right.'

when was Aletheia's Island

Sunny slowly walked to

His eyes narrowed slightly.

was gone, revealing the beautiful green expanse of the pine forest. The trees bathed in warm sunlight, swaying slightly in the wind. Here and there, clear

sight. In fact... without the mist, Sunny was supposed to see the towering figure of Devouring Beast wandering the forest. However,

sky, either. Aletheia's Island... seemed utterly devoid of danger. Instead, it seemed like a tranquil,