Shadow Slave novel Chapter 3019

3019 Séance

Effie sighed.

“Damn cheater."

As she did, the two of them heard the sound of hurried steps rushing toward the secluded rampart. She winced and kicked one of the balls lightly.

“I guess that's my cue. I am supposed to be at the waterfront in a short while, welcoming the gathered crowd and warming them up before Nephis takes the stage... my subordinates love nothing more than parading me in front of people. Something about making their blood flow faster."

She glanced at Sunny and asked.

"Did you find me just to chat, or did you want something?"

Sunny shrugged.

“No real reason. I guess I wanted to know if you are joining me for Cassie's thing — if so, I would have caught a ride in your shadow. Getting there by myself is a hassle, considering how thorough the defensive array is."

Effie shook her head.

"What's the point of my going there? It's not exactly my field of expertise."

Sunny grinned.

"Fast-flowing blood is a bit of a universal advantage, though.”

He grimaced and then took a step into the shadows.

“Well, see you later then. Oh... this ceremony. Golf? I liked it! Hit me up if you ever want a rematch..."

Just a moment before Effie's attendant appeared on the rampart, Sunny dissolved into the shadows.

He traveled through their dark embrace and appeared in the grove of ancient trees that rustled quietly in celestial winds. The Ivory Island had been turned into a sorcerous fortress in the past year, its Components intertwined with a layered defensive array to prevent anyone from entering the Tower of Hope uninvited... or leaving it without the permission of its master.

So, Sunny could not use Shadow Step freely here anymore. Still, it did not take him long to make it to where he wanted to go — he simply hid in the shadow of a scholar hurrying across the emerald grass and followed him into a spacious chamber inside the Ivory Tower. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

There, a group of people was gathered, standing in the shadows along the wall. They were men and women from all walks of life, both mundane and Awakened — sorcerers, engineers, linguists... the few remaining Spellsmiths of the fallen Clan Valor were here, as well as the most prominent spelltech pioneers. Sunny even noticed a couple of River People, easily recognizable by their garments.

[You are here?]

Cassie was standing in the middle of the chamber, in front of a complicated runic circle. Bright sunlight poured through the windows and illuminated her breathtaking figure, her hair glistening like liquid gold. Hiding in the shadows in the corners of the chamber, Sunny answered with a thought.

"I am."

He hesitated, then asked in a curious tone:

[Why are you doing this today, though? Everyone else is taking a break.]

Ahead of him, Cassie sighed and raised her head.

[Because getting all these people into one room was far easier today.]

Sunny gave her a mental nod. That was a good enough reason, as far as he was concerned.

In the center of the room, Cassie inhaled deeply and then addressed the gathered luminaries.

“Thank you all for attending. You already know what is about to happen and why, so I won't repeat myself. Be alert. I don't know how long my essence will last, so every moment is precious."

After the hum of whispers died down, she turned to the runic circle and placed her hand on the hilt of the Quiet Dancer.

A cold wind blew across the chamber, and by the time it ceased...

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