He Xi noticed the unnaturalness but didn't probe further. Instead, he joked in a lighthearted tone, "My comparison might not have been quite right. After all, sunlight might not be so friendly to you. You'll need some time to adjust."
Trist lowered his head. "Yes, it really... will take some time."
He Xi got up to leave.
"As for food, I'll bring some by every few days. But I might not be able to find Goblins every time. Should I substitute other kinds of meat?"
Trist still had his head lowered. "I want live Goblins."
He Xi was a little surprised by Trist's insistence. Remembering the gourmet's unusual tastes, he could only nod helplessly.
"All right. I'll see what I can do."
As He Xi's footsteps gradually faded into the cave, Trist bowed his head even lower. His long silver hair fell forward, almost completely hiding his face.
The flames in the fireplace flickered restlessly, stretching and wavering. The shadows on the ground stretched and twisted along with them, like living things struggling to break free.
Look closely, and the edges of the shadows weren't smooth. They writhed, occasionally separating into tentacle-like shapes before being drawn back into the main mass.
Along with the crackling of burning wood, a faint hum, almost impossible to hear, filled the air.
Trist spoke slowly, his voice dry and subdued, as though addressing some invisible listener.
"No... not him."
He murmured to himself, as if trying to explain, or perhaps to resist.
"He... is different. He showed me kindness."
The hum in the cave seemed to grow louder for an instant.
Trist's body trembled slightly. His fingers, resting on his knees, clenched unconsciously.
The grotesque shadow on the ground suddenly drew in on itself, like a predator poised to strike.
Its outline was no