Chapter 34

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexual content

Enjoy

"He has to die! By my hands, he has to die!"

Reiss Residence, Liberio, Marley, 854...

Cassandra opened her eyes. Huh? She touched her cheek, finding it slick with tears. What was I dreaming about? She turned her head to look at the clock on her nightstand, and she gasped. Shit! We're gonna be late!

She scrambled out of bed, lazily throwing the covers back into place. But then she second-guessed it and quickly made the bed properly. A habit still ingrained in her since her cadet days. Cassandra hurried out of the room. Her barefeet slapped against the wood floor as she hopped up the stairs to the third floor. She entered the bedroom on the left, softly knocking on the door. "Hey, lazy bones. Time to get up."

Across the room, on the bed was a bundle of blankets. The bundle groaned in response. Cassandra pushed the door further open. "We have to go see Doctor Mengele today, remember?"

The bundle groaned again. Cassandra went to the window and threw open the curtains. "Come on. Up, up, up!"

She went to the bed, placing her hands on her hips as she smiled down at the bundle. "Sebastian. Get up, please. We don't want to keep the doctor waiting."

"I can't," came a muffled voice and fake cough. "I'm sick. Need sleep."

"That's funny. You were just fine last night." She knelt down and dove under the covers. Sebastian buried his face against the mattress, hiding from his mother. "You know, if you really are sick, I can't leave you alone. And if I can't leave you alone, I'll have to ask Mrs Becker to watch you. You'll get to spend all day with her. Knitting scarves, watching her cats, listening her long, long stories, working in her garden-"

"I feel better now!" Sebastian proclaimed, throwing the covers off. He scooted to the edge of the bed and hurried to the bathroom. Cassandra's smile widened as she watched him. His auburn hair shimmered in the morning light. She sighed to herself and got up. Though Sebastian had her hair and brilliant blue eyes...he's the spitting image of his dad.

Cassandra had developed an effective morning routine for the both of them. She helped Sebastian get dressed and ready first. That way he could take on his new responsibility of preparing toast and heating up some porridge. Cassandra got herself ready quickly. Picking out a flowy dark blue dress with red stripes around the waist, giving her the hourglass figure women coveted so much. Her hair was now short, the ends perfectly curled atop her shoulders. Cassandra paused for a moment as she looked at herself in the mirror. Some days it greatly unnerved her how much she had become acclimated to her prison. She turned her head, studying the faded scar on her face. The makeup brush hovering over her skin. A lingering memory of her life before.

She quickly shook off those thoughts and continued, covering up the scar. Her heels clacked loudly throughout the home as she descended down the stairs to the main floor. After breakfast, Cassandra packed their lunches for the day and washed the dishes. Sebastian went to the side table by the door, grabbing a little booklet to put in his shorts' pocket. Cassandra grabbed the other, stuffing it inside her coat. Then she secured a silver tag bracelet to Sebastian's wrist that matched her own. "Ready to go?"

"Yes, Mama."

With that, Cassandra opened the door. The sounds of the bustling city flooded their quiet home. Right outside, a Marleyan PSA officer was waiting. He flinched in surprise and gave them a awkward smile. "G-Good morning, Miss Reiss."

"Good morning." Cassandra gave him such a bright smile that he nearly fainted in delight. "Thank you so much for waiting, Officer Schmidt. We had a bit of a slow start. I hope we haven't put you behind in your schedule today."

"I don't mind at all," he said, his cheeks turning red. "Escorting you in the mornings is always a great pleasure. You always brighten my day."

"You're too kind, sir."

Sebastian watched their exchange with silent annoyance. He took his mother's hand, walking in tandem with her as they followed Officer Schmidt down the steps to the sidewalk. The Marleyan rubbed the back of his neck nervously, admiring his charge. So beautiful.

Their walk was relatively short. Barely a 10-minute trip towards the center of town. Amongst the government buildings, one stood out based on it bordering the Liberio Ghetto. As they walked by neighbors and street vendors, Cassandra greeted them all with kind, goddess-like smiles. Officer Schmidt kept a watchful eye out as was his duty, but snuck peeks at Cassandra. Trying to work up the courage to speak. He noticed a newsstand they passed by, stacked with the latest headlines. "So...I, uh, heard we won the war against the Mid-East."

"Oh? That's wonderful to hear. It's been about four years, I think." Cassandra tapped her chin in thought. Yeah...sounds about right considering how long it's been since I've seen them. She made sure to keep her demeanor calm and curious. "Winning the war means a border expansion, right?"

"Yeah. Marley's titans captured the last stronghold a few days ago," he said as they crossed the street. "So the entire Mid-East Alliance will fall under Marley's control. And another lost ally for Anscar is a plus."

Sebastian listened intently albeit confusedly. Though, their conversation blurred into words he was unfamiliar with. He noticed someone walking by, their face hidden by the newspaper they were reading. The man was headed straight for him. Sebastian tried to dodge by stepping behind Cassandra. But his sudden action surprised her and as she turned, she bumped into the man. Cassandra grabbed onto him, twirling with the momentum to keep herself from falling. Officer Schmidt immediately dove between them. Pushing the man away. "Hey! Watch where you're going!"

"Officer, please. I'm alright," Cassandra insisted. She placed her hand on Schmidt's arm, gently pushing him back.

"He wasn't paying attention!"

"It was just an accident," she said more calmly. "I'm alright. My son's alright. It's okay."

She slid her other hand off the man's arm, grazing his hand as she did. Sebastian picked up the newspaper, smoothing it out. He held it up to the man. "I'm sorry, sir. It's my fault."

The man half-smiled as he took the newspaper. Sebastian could barely see the man's eyes in the shadow of his fedora. "Thanks, kid." He stood up, folding up the newspaper as he turned to Cassandra. "Sorry, ma'am. The officer's right. I wasn't paying attention."

Cassandra pulled Sebastian to her, keeping him close as she smiled at the man. "No harm done. Have a good day, sir."

"And you as well, ma'am." The man lifted his hat, revealing ash-brown hair beneath as he bowed his head. He nodded to Schmidt. "Officer."

Officer Schmidt humphed as the man continued on down the street. Sebastian watched the man open the newspaper back up to continue reading as he turned the corner. "Mama," he said, looking up at her. "That man looks like-"

"Should we get going?" she asked. "Doctor Mengele isn't always patient." Cassandra slowly ran her fingers through Sebastian's hair. He blinked in surprise. Huh? Mama wants me to be quiet?

"Yeah. Let's go," Officer Schmidt said, turning to continue leading them up the sidewalk. Sebastian pursed his lips as Cassandra grabbed his hand, following Schmidt. His cheeks puffing slightly in confused frustration. Why do I gotta be quiet? What'd I say?

"Anyways," Schmidt continued, "it's a real relief the war is over. The Warrior Unit will return home and protect us like they're supposed to. If you ask me, that's the real usefulness of weapons like that..." his voice faded into nothing as Cassandra's smile faltered slightly. Every step she took made her feel more hollow and fearful as Schmidt's words echoed in her mind. Cassandra re-plastered her bright smile, making it appear as if she were listening. So they're coming back? My kidnappers...

Southern shores of Paradis, 850...

Cassandra stared up at the plain, beige fabric hanging over her head. It moved and swayed with wind she couldn't feel. She blinked, drowsiness lingering in her body. Her mind felt a bit numb. Where am I? she wondered. She thought back to her memories. Darkness clouding them. "No. You're Historia's heir," Armin's voice whispered in her mind.

Raisa's angry voice came next. "Wait, what's that sound?"

"Don't try to distract me! It's been decided, so you two might as well get out of my-!"

Cassandra gasped and abruptly sat up. It all came rushing back. Reiner tackling her. Being swallowed up by yet another titan. And then...nothing. She groaned as her head throbbed. She tried to touch her forehead, but something pulled on her wrist. Cassandra looked down. Her right wrist was shackled to the cot she laid on. Huh? What is this? It's so thin. She tugged on the shackles. The metal was shiny and smooth, but thin. A weak looking chain fastened between the two cuffs. Cassandra slid the shackles along the cot railing. Whatever this is made of...it's stronger than it looks.

She glanced around. Realizing she was in a tent. There was a table and stool to her right. To her left, another cot and several cabinets along with an examination table. A medical tent? Then...?

Her hands went to her belly. She felt around the round bump, putting soft pressure in random places. In response, the baby inside kicked at her hand. Cassandra watched in awe. She touched the spot again, putting more pressure. "Ah!" She withdrew her hand. The baby having kicked harder. "Hey, take it easy in there. I swear, you better not be some weird mutant titan baby."

Cassandra readjusted herself and then froze. She promptly lifted the blanket. What the hell? Where're my pants? And my underwear?! She shoved the blanket back down upon hearing footsteps and muffled voices outside. The tent entrance flap was thrown open and a man poked his head in. "Oh, good. You're awake."

The man stepped inside, carrying a silver tray of food. He stopped a few feet away from her. His head was tilted in a way that the light cast a glare over his glasses, hiding his eyes. "You hungry? Food isn't the best, but you've been out cold for a couple days now. Figured you wouldn't be picky."

Cassandra said nothing, flicking her gaze between him and the food. "It's not poisoned," he added. He grabbed what looked like a meatball and popped it into his mouth. "See?"

Still, she said nothing. Only stared unblinkingly, untrustingly. The man sighed and set the food down on the table beside her. He grabbed the stool and dragged it over to sit just out of arms reach of her. Now that he was sitting, Cassandra could see his blue eyes. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something vaguely familiar about him. "Well, probably good a time as any to begin my interrogation," he said, resting his elbows on his thighs. "My name's Zeke Jaeger."

Cassandra blinked in surprise. Jaeger?

"Ah. So you recognize me surname. Then, you know of Eren Jaeger?"

Cassandra looked away in thought. She wasn't sure if she should answer. Zeke stared at her patiently, scratching his ear. After a moment, Cassandra nodded. This seemed to please Zeke. He leaned back, almost smiling. "I'd like to discuss my half-brother further with you. Reiner and Bertholdt didn't really paint a decent picture of him, but we'll get to that later."

Half-brother? She frowned. "I'm sure you've already realized this, but the battle is over," he continued. "Reiner captured you during our rescue of him from your cohorts. You hit your head pretty hard in the process. Our doctor did a thorough examination. Both you and your baby seem rather resilient. Especially considering the amount of scars on your body."

Cassandra instinctively wrapped her arms around her belly. The baby was moving. Reacting to the quiet rumbling of her stomach. "What else...did the doctor say?"

"She speaks," Zeke mused, earning himself a death glare. "As far as the doctor can tell, your baby is healthy. But you really should eat. You probably weren't eating that well to begin with."

She slumped her shoulders. Keeping a suspicious eye on Zeke, she grabbed the food tray and set it in her lap. Meatballs in some sort of creamy sauce, fruit jam, a plump roll, and mashed potatoes. She picked up a meatball and sniffed. Smells good enough.

"Do you know why you were captured?" he asked as she ate. She only shrugged. "It's our understanding that the current King of the Walls is a fake. The Reiss Family are the true rulers from the shadows. And you are one of the illegitimate daughters of Lord Reiss. Though, Reiner said he wasn't sure how accurate that claim was considering only your sister has been confirmed. But he also said the two of you are practically identical twins...the only difference being the hair."

"My sister? Oh." Cassandra smirked. Right...they don't know about the coup. "We're not twins. I'm a year older."

"So you and Christa are sisters, then? Or was it...Victoria?" He rubbed his beard in thought.

"Historia."

"Historia Reiss." Zeke hummed. "You two are the only surviving children of Lord Reiss as his legitimate children and his wife died in a fire five years ago when Eren somehow stole the Founding Titan. Both of you were given aliases and hidden within the military. Honestly, it's hard to understand their thought process. If the Reiss family holds all the power, why go to such lengths to hide possible heirs? Future queens? Or is the monarchy strictly patriarchal?"

She shook her head, her cheeks full of mashed potatoes. "Iff we werr idden, ww ee kuhhh."

"What?"

Cassandra wiped her mouth on her sleeve and swallowed the last bits of food. "We'd be dead if Rod hadn't hidden us."

"Rod?"

"Lord Reiss."

"Interesting that you refer to your father by name." He tilted his head, trying to see her face. "Reiner told me you moved around a lot with your mother while Historia was provided for by your father."

Her eyebrow twitched with her rising anger. She stabbed at the fruit jam with her spoon. "What else did Reiner tell you?"

"Not much. He said you were particularly exceptional at keeping your past a secret. It wasn't until the attempt to kidnap Eren that he uncovered any worthwhile information about you. And it was Historia that revealed it."

"I told you...we'd be dead if anybody knew the truth."

"Why?"

Cassandra humphed and glared down at her empty tray. Worthwhile information, my ass. Commander Erwin was pretty sure Annie was doing all of the reconnaissance, but there was no way to know how much they uncovered. The memory of Erwin leading the Scouts do their doom flashed through her mind. I wonder if anyone survived...? She snuck a glance at Zeke who was watching her patiently. She sighed in defeat. "The Reiss family were closely monitored. Loose ends weren't allowed."

"Why?"

"They just weren't, okay? They were hypocritical pacifists obsessed with preserving their so-called 'peace'." She made air quotes over the last word. "I don't know what else to tell you."

"How about your real name?"

"What?"

"Your real name," he said. "Vanessa Raske is your alias just like Christa Lenz was your sister's. So what's your real name?"

She hesitated for a moment. A prickle of fear on the back of her neck. The last time she felt it was when she told her comrades the truth many moons ago. Almost feels like a lifetime ago. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Cassandra."

"Cassandra," he echoed. "Well, Cassandra Reiss...I'd say we're making progress. Tell me why the Scouts brought a pregnant teenager to a battlefield. Or is your duty as a soldier more important than your condition to them?"

She put the tray back on the table. "They didn't know. I said I had gotten fat."

Zeke furred his brows and lowered his gaze to her belly. "They actually believed that? You're such a tiny thing, and it's quite obvious that's a baby not fat."

She shrugged. She picked at a thread sticking out of the blanket. I wonder how much Reiner actually told them after. Surely he heard everything I said on the rooftop. Is this guy just being coy? Firm and friendly in the hopes I tell them everything? Eren mattered more than having me or Historia. But since they don't have him, maybe I was Reiner's ticket for leniency...like Ymir said. If that's the case, then maybe...? "Reiner's the father."

Zeke stared at her for a moment. "Are you sure?"

So he did hear me. "Yes. Why, is he saying he's not?"

"Yes. He said it wasn't possible because you two broke-up. Then again, the doctor did confirm that you're a little over five months along."

"He dumped me right before graduation. That was four months ago." She gestured to her belly.

Zeke sighed, dropping his head slightly. "Honestly, I'm quite surprised. I thought Reiner was stronger than that. Smarter than that."

Cassandra harrumphed as she pulled the blanket further around herself, making sure her bare skin was covered. "Reiner's as stupid as he looks. He lost both of his comrades and did a shitty job of trying to capture Eren. He's only gotten this far by sheer dumb luck."

"True. Does that mean Annie's been eaten as well?"

Cassandra blinked in surprise. "Bertholdt was eaten?"

He nodded. "So, was Annie eaten too?"

"Not yet," she said carefully. "She's being held prisoner. She's not going anywhere."

Zeke scratched his ear as he processed her words. His other hand fiddled with something in his pocket. Cassandra studied him, trying to get a read on his thoughts. "What happens now? Are you going to try and ransom me? Trade a pregnant princess for the founding titan? It won't work."

"Princess? What do you mean by that?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Reiner told you, right? What I said on the roof...? I know he heard me."

"He didn't say anything about you being a princess. Are bastards granted titles within the walls?"

She frowned at him. "I was legitimized."

"By whom?"

She smirked as she crossed her arms under her chest. "Maybe you should ask Reiner. Seems awfully suspicious he didn't mention it. It's valuable information. How Historia became Queen of the Walls. How I became her heir...until she has kids."

Zeke leaned back in surprise. He scratched his ear again. He glanced back at the tent entrance, tapping his knee nervously. He scooted himself closer and leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Listen to me very carefully, Cassandra. There's a few options ahead of you. But before you choose one, I'd like to tell you a story. And if you care about your unborn child at all...you'll make the right decision."

Warrior HQ, Liberio, Marley, present...

Doctor Mengele hummed to himself as he examined Sebastian. Checking his throat, eyes, ears, and everything else. Cassandra stood beside them, holding onto Sebastian's jacket. The building was military, but also operated as a research center for titan biology. Glancing out the window, Cassandra could see the children chosen for the warrior program. Not much older than Sebastian. The sight of them running laps while carrying wooden rifles sickened her. She turned her attention back to the doctor as he sat back. "All done. You, my boy, are progressing nicely."

"That's good, right?" he asked.

"Very good." Doctor Mengele stood up and pushed his stool back over to the desk. He turned to Cassandra. "Keep him on his exercise routine. I'd say by next year, he'll be ready to join the warrior program."

"I thought the program's minimum age requirement was six?" she asked. "Seb won't be four until November."

"While that is true, Sebastian is a special case. He has your blood," he reminded, waving the end of his pen at her. "It's imperative to get him started as soon as possible. By the time he is old enough to inherit one of the titans, the current batch of candidates will be finishing up their term."

Cassandra shoved her urge to argue deep, deep down. She smiled politely and nodded. "Of course, Doctor. Forgive me...as his mother, I can't help but worry. I want him to be successful."

"Have faith in your son. Sebastian will make Marley proud in his future service as a Warrior." He started to head to the door, but stopped. "I almost forgot...the Warrior Unit will be returning in a couple days. You are to begin your monthly sessions with Zeke Jaeger."

"So soon?"

"Zeke has less than a year left on his term. It's imperative you conceive his child before then." He noticed the hesitation on her face. "Miss Reiss, there's nothing to be concerned about. You've had plenty of time to heal. You are healthy inside and out. And you're an adult, now. The chances are much better."

Sebastian looked up at his mother in silent worry. Cassandra inhaled sharply, and once again, nodded with a polite smile. "You're right. I won't disappoint you, Doctor."

Reiss Residence, two days later..

Cassandra glanced out the window. The sun was half-set, casting a brilliant orange light in the kitchen. She had watched the Marleyan army return earlier in the day. Every second seemed surreal. She often caught herself staring at the sea resentfully. But now that the Eldians had returned. Now Zeke was back. "Mama?"

She turned back to her son, receiving a bit of water to the face. She closed her eyes and wiped the water off. Sebastian stared up at her with a hint of smile beneath his blanket of soap bubbles. "You okay?"

"I will be," she said, wiping the soap away from his eyes.

"Did the doctor make you sad?"

Cassandra sighed. Sebastian was incredibly perceptive. She could never really hide her emotions from him. "A little," she told him. "But the doctor usually isn't fun, isn't he?"

Sebastian nodded, finally smiling. Cassandra dipped her hands in the water and styled his hair up into a single point. She erupted into giggles as Sebastian gave her a pouty frown and smoothed down his wet hair. He resumed playing with his toys as she finished washing him. Once he was all clean, she wrapped him in a big, thick towel. Sebastian snuggled himself within as Cassandra steered him out of the bathroom, heading to his bedroom. Ding-Dong!

Cassandra paused, turning her ears to the stairs. She peered over the guardrail. Ding-Dong!

"Who's that, Mama?"

"I don't know. Go dry off in your room. I'll be there in a minute." She nudged Sebastian towards his room before she headed down the stairs. Her feet slapping against the wood as she broke into a jog. Ding-Dong! Ding-Dong! She reached the door. There was a peephole, but she was too short to see through it properly. Ding-Dong! Cassandra practically threw the door open, ready to scold the stranger. But her anger suddenly washed away. "Zeke?"

"Hello, Cassandra," he greeted with a soft smile. "It's been awhile."

She shook of her surprise. "Yeah. It has. Uh...what're you doing here?"

He sighed awkwardly, scratching his ear. "I've got orders."

They don't want to waste any time, do they? She really wanted to send him away. But she opened the door, gesturing for him to come in. Zeke entered, glancing down the quaint hall. Cassandra had to calm herself. Her hands nearly shook as she locked the door. She remained there for a moment, growing equally as awkward. Zeke had his hands in his pockets. His beard seemed longer than she last remembered. "This is a nice place."

"Thank you." She wrung her hands anxiously then gestured to the living room to her right. "Make yourself comfortable. I have to finish putting Sebastian to bed."

"Of course. Take your time."

Cassandra hurried back upstairs, bouncing up the steps. She entered Sebastian's bedroom and found him trying to button up his pajama onesie. His towel discarded on the floor. Cassandra huffed as she picked it up, folding it up. She knelt down in front of him. "You missed one."

Sebastian looked down, seeing one button poking out unattached. He let her fix the alignment. Feeling better with the soft fabric. "Who's here?"

"A friend. His name is Zeke."

"Can I say hi?" he asked.

Cassandra shook her head. "Another time. Get into bed."

"But I'm not sleepy!"

She only hummed dubiously as he climbed into bed, pushing the covers down. Cassandra tucked him in as he settled against his pillow. Sebastian rolled onto his side, yawning. Cassandra smoothed his clean hair. It was slightly damp. She hummed softer now, a sweet tune of a lullaby, and continued to stroke his hair. Sebastian's eyes drooped. He groaned, trying to fight off the drowsiness. Cassandra stroked his hair slower and slower, easing him into sleep. She envied how quickly he could fall into the deepest of sleep. She smiled down at him. Once she was sure he was completely out, she kissed his temple gently and turned out the light.

Cassandra quietly closed the door and leaned against it. Dammit. I knew this day was gonna come eventually. She inhaled deeply, summoning courage and made her way downstairs. Zeke was standing by the coat rack with a cigarette in his hand. He noticed her at the foot of the steps. "Do you have a guest?"

He pointed to the second purse on the side table. "My housekeeper," she answered. "She's not here right now."

"When did you get a housekeeper?"

"A couple days ago," she said, approaching him. "Please don't smoke in here."

Zeke looked down at his cigarette. "Sorry. Where should I put it out?"

Cassandra huffed and took it from him. She stomped down the hall to the kitchen, running the thing under water for a couple minutes before she tossed it in the trash. Grabbing onto the edge of the back of a chair, she took several breaths to keep herself calm. Cassandra promptly made some tea and went to the living room where Zeke was waiting. He took the fresh cup form her. "Thanks."

She sat on the other end of the couch. Only a single cushion space between them. "It really is good to see you, Zeke. But couldn't this have waited until tomorrow? Doctor Mengele told me we'd be having our sessions at HQ."

"That was my understanding, too," he said with a sigh, reaching for his cigarette pack. "But they trust me enough to get the job done. And I was told not to waste any time as you're...nearing your...your..."

"My monthly course?" She almost smirked at how he squirmed. "Yeah, Doctor Mengele monitors my bodily function regularly. Marley needs to make sure it's womb is in top shape."

Zeke blinked, taken aback by her tone. "Gotta say...it's a relief to see you haven't lost any of your spirit. Not yet, at least." He set his cup down. "I am impressed, though. You seem to be doing well. A place of your own? A housekeeper?"

"The bars might be gold, but it's still a cage." She rested her chin on her palm, crossing her legs as she sat back. "I've done what I had to do in order to survive here. In order to find some semblance of normal for my son. The powers that be even let me get a job."

"A job? Doing what?"

"Singing at The Berghain."

Zeke nearly coughed up his tea. "The Berghain? That's the most exclusive, high-society nightclub in the entire city."

Cassandra shrugged. "My military background isn't really helpful for typical work. I don't have any trade skills other than some basic medical training. I told Doctor Mengele that I wanted to be a singer when I was a kid, so he made arrangements."

Zeke rubbed his beard in thought. "Well, I suppose there was nothing else you could do...waiting gets awfully boring."

"I guess." She glanced at the booklets thrown about the chair beside the fireplace. Cassandra suddenly felt so tired from the pent up anxiety. Might as well get it overwith. "Do you plan to stay the night? What about your grandparents? Where do they think you are?"

"My grandparents keep an early bedtime," he said. "And they know I have to come and go. I am the Chief of the Warrior Unit after all. I'm a busy man."

Cassandra frowned. "Are you staying the night or not?"

Zeke stared at her for a moment. The light casting a glare over his glasses. "That depends on you. Whatever you're comfortable with. You might not believe me, but...I don't like this situation any more than you do. I don't want children. Not when I know what kind of fate awaits them."

"You really can't compare your situation to mine. You chose this life. I didn't."

He hummed, unable to respond. Cassandra sighed and stood up. She held her hand out to him, waiting. Zeke stared at her, studying her resolve. He downed the remaining tea in his cup, and took her hand. She led him up to the master bedroom, careful not to disturb the sleeping Sebastian above. Zeke stood by the bed, hands in his pockets as he watched her. Cassandra softly closed the door, locking it. She said nothing as she went to the bed and began unbuttoning her shirt. "Actually," Zeke said, "you don't have to do that."

She blinked at him. "You want to do it with clothes on?"

"No, but...this is just about conception. We don't have to do anything else. If you don't want to."

"Is that what you want?"

Zeke rubbed the back of his neck as he inhaled deeply. "Yeah," he confessed. "Given what we've been ordered to do, it's important to be honest here. Don't get me wrong. I like sex as much as the next guy, but as I said...I don't want children. And what I want doesn't matter."

Cassandra sat down on the bed as she thought. Maybe that would be simpler. Easier. She inhaled sharply and reached up under her skirt, slipping her underwear off. Zeke silently took off his jacket, setting it down on the bed beside her. As he approached, Cassandra hiked her skirt up and made herself more comfortable on the edge of the bed. She leaned back on her elbows as he unbuckled his belt. "Lay down," he said.

She obliged, falling back. As she stared up at the ceiling, she felt him draw closer. She widened her legs for him. His pants grazed her inner thighs as he pushed them down. Cassandra took a deep breath, and folded her hands over her middle. "Is it alright if I touch your legs?" he asked.

She nodded. Zeke hooked his hands around her thighs, bringing her closer to him. He held onto the back of her left knee as he entered her. Cassandra let out a soft gasp. Too quiet for Zeke to hear. He hooked her other leg around his waist and began thrusting at a steady, easy pace. Cassandra felt strange. A fullness she hadn't felt in years, and yet her entire body was numb at the same time. Is it because there's no feelings between us?

Then it dawned on her. That this moment wouldn't be the first. Zeke would be replaced by another. And when that one was gone, the next would take his place. On and on until she could no longer bear children. She closed her eyes, thinking back to the man she bumped into two days ago. The moment her hand grazed his...and the small paper hidden within. Only two words scribbled on it in terrible handwriting: "Be ready."

End of Chapter 34