Chapter 36

Author's Note: Thank y'all so much for your reviews. It makes me so happy that y'all love this story. :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexual content

Enjoy

Reiss Residence, Liberio, Marley, 854...

Cassandra stared up at the ceiling. Her mind empty and her body numb. She tapped her fingers against her middle as Zeke thrusted into her at a boring, detached pace. Every so often, her mind would drift. The plaster ceiling fading away until she saw Reiner's face. She tried to chase away him away, but he kept coming back. It was still fresh in her mind. His eyes closed, pleasure radiating off of him. She could still feel his tongue on her thumb. His teeth against her skin. His hot breath..."You okay?"

She snapped out of her thoughts. "What?"

Zeke stopped thrusting. He shook her right leg. "You keep twitching."

"Oh." Cassandra groaned and rubbed her face, trying to shake those thoughts from her mind. "I have a cramp in my leg. Kinda forgot about it."

He raised an eyebrow, but didn't press any further. He resumed his pace. He pushed her knee closer to her body, his arm having grown tired of holding her leg. "I wanted to ask you something. How do you feel about hosting a dinner?"

"A dinner? For what?"

"To meet the other Warriors."

Cassandra frowned at him. "What? No."

"It's important that you meet them. Establish a relationship with them," he said. His grip on her knee tightened, trying to remain neutral despite the pleasure rising. "I'll be gone in a year. You already have history with Reiner, but you need to know the others. And future Warriors as well. I want to be sure I'm leaving you in good hands."

"I'm sorry. Are you expecting me to befriend the men I'm being forced to breed with?"

He leaned forward. "I don't think you really have a choice. I told you four years ago that if you didn't cooperate, you'd be spending the rest of your life tied to a bed. Bred against your will. Unable to see the children you'd birth. If any of the other Warriors suspect your defiance or resistance...all of this-" he gestured to the room "-could change."

She deepened her frown. "I know that."

"So just-!" He gasped as he fell forward. Cassandra caught him by his shoulders, preventing him from actually falling on top of her. She turned her head away as he came, glaring at the wall. Zeke turned his own head away, trying not to breathe in her ear. Once it was over, he pushed himself up. "Sorry. That...kinda snuck up on me."

Cassandra said nothing, smoothing down her dress as Zeke stepped back. She scooted closer to the center of the bed, and settled there. Zeke walked off to the bathroom. Cassandra jolted up onto her elbows. She couldn't see him, but she could hear him. From the bed, she could only see the sink and vanity. Her eyes were glued to the cabinet, watching carefully. Stay away from the cabinet. Stay away from the cabinet. Stay away from the cabinet. Zeke came back into view and she laid back down. She heard him wash his hands and come back into room. "So, will you consider it?"

"Consider what? Oh. The dinner." She heaved a heavy sigh. "I'll think about it."

"Good." He checked his watch. "I know you have a show tomorrow night, so I'll swing by around mid-afternoon tomorrow."

"I have a appointment with Doctor Mengele. And then General Magath wants to see me after," she told him. "Not sure how long it'll last."

"Why does Magath want to see you?"

She noted the hint of demanding in his tone. She only shrugged. "I didn't ask."

Zeke hummed in thought, scratching his ear. He turned towards the door. "Then I guess I'll see you the day after tomorrow."

"Zeke," she called. "A dinner isn't a good idea."

"You said you'd think about it."

"And I did," she retorted. "I'm just not comfortable letting them all into my home yet. So...how about you come see me at The Berghain? I resume work there in a couple weeks, anyways."

"I highly doubt we'd be allowed in, much less afford it."

Cassandra sighed. "I can get you in. It's not a big deal."

He stared at her, studying her unreadable expression. He smirked and nodded as he left the room. Zeke closed the door quietly, considerate of the late hour. He stood there for a moment, hand on the knob as he thought. Wonder what Magath wants with her...maybe for the Paradis Invasion plan? Not that she'll comply. He sighed and headed for the stairs. He pulled out his cigarette pack, picking one out. A feeling of eyes on him made him halt mid-step. He glanced up at the third floor.

In the shadows, blue eyes were watching him in the darkness. The longer he stared, the more he could see of Sebastian. Jeez, he's freakin' creepy. Zeke waved. "Hey."

Sebastian leaned down, some of his face becoming illuminated by the moonlight. He frowned at Zeke angrily. "Go away. Mama doesn't like you."

Zeke snorted. He stuck a cigarette in-between his lips. "I know, kid. I know."

He continued down the steps, fiddling with his lighter. As he made it down to the last step, he almost collided with someone coming out of the kitchen. He jumped back, nearly tripping as his heel hit the riser of the step. The other person twirled, almost dropping the basket of laundry. "Whoa! That was close."

The woman tucked her hair behind her ear and readjusted herself. "Sorry about that. Didn't realize Miss Reiss had a guest over."

He noticed the woman's arm was free of any armband. He bowed his head, submitting as an Eldian should to a Marleyan. "No, it's my fault. I should've been more careful."

"No, no. It was all me." She smiled at him politely. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe. "Are you a Warrior?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Oh, please. I'm not old enough for 'ma'am'." She stuck her hand out to him. "You can just call me 'Miss Skye'. Everybody does."

Zeke stared at her outstretched hand. Skye glanced around awkwardly. "You can shake my hand. I know you're an Eldian, but you can relax. I was a charity worker before Miss Reiss hired me."

"Charity worker? Didn't know Marleyans were still doing that." He finally shook her hand. "What department were you in?"

"Family services. I helped poor Eldian families get themselves established after...traumatic events."

Zeke was truly surprised. He had assumed Marleyans no longer cared to provide aid to the Eldians. Especially to the ones who's family members were shipped off to Heaven. He fiddled with the cigarette in his other hand. "That's very generous of you. I take it you're aware of Miss Reiss' situation here in Marley?"

"It's why I was approved. And don't worry about Miss Reiss. I'm here to help her with anything she needs."

She gave him a big, broad smile. A smile that unnerved him. She looked pretty young, not much older than Cassandra. Brown hair cut in a stylish bob, and charming brown eyes. She didn't seem very threatening, so Zeke brushed off his worry. "It was nice to meet you, Miss Skye. If you'll excuse me."

Skye watched him walk over to the door. Her broad smile completely disappearing. "Yeah. Nice to meet you, too."

Liberio Ghetto Gates, the next morning...

Cassandra tried desperately to hide her nervousness. She dressed a little more plainly, in hopes to blend in. Her was hair hidden under a scarf tied around her head. She approached the gate guards and held out a small booklet. "Charity work," she told them.

The guard didn't even look at her. He scanned the booklet. "Alright. Move along."

She held her breath as she took her credentials back and crossed over. Fearing if she breathed, she'd be found out. As she walked away, she heard the guards gossip about charity workers still being a thing. Marleyans who pitied their Eldian neighbors and offered aid. At least I've got a way in. She pulled out the folded up letter in her pocket. It provided directions to the hospital which she tried to follow. It didn't help that the street signs of the ghetto were old and ill-kept. She even had to ask for directions.

The hospital wasn't terribly far from the gate. She realized after taking a wrong turn, it was only a twenty minute walk away. Cassandra entered the hospital courtyard more nervous than ever. She squeezed the letter in her hands, squishing it so tight it nearly ripped. She glanced around at the various patients and hospital staff. Where is he? How the hell am I gonna find him?

"Hey. Vanessa."

Cassandra gasped and whirled around. Near the entrance, a man with long, dark hair was sitting on a bench. He held onto a crutch and waved with his other hand. She recognized him immediately. Not even the bandages around his head could hide those unique sea-green eyes. Cassandra hurried over in a daze, unable to process the sight before her. "Eren...?"

"Long time no see," he said softly. "You look good."

She blinked. "You called me 'Vanessa'."

He leaned back. "Didn't think it was a good idea to address you by your real name."

She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to think. Four years since she'd last seen him. Since she last spoke to him. He gestured to the bench. "Sit. We've got a lot of catching up to do."

City Park...

Skye sat on the bench on the outskirts of the playground. She held a newspaper in her hands, but she wasn't reading. Her eyes flicked every so often to Sebastian as he played with the other children. Making sure she could see him at all times. She turned the page of the newspaper just as someone approached. A man in a suit sat down on the other end of the bench. He adjusted his fedora as he pulled a book out of his coat. Skye kept her attention on the newspaper. "Good morning, sir."

Jean didn't waste any time. "Where is she?"

"In the ghetto."

"Why?"

Skye's eyebrow twitched as she turned the page of the newspaper. "Surprise you don't know. Eren's in town."

Jean exhaled in frustration, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his thighs as he read his book. "We know."

"Why is he here?" she asked. "He wasn't part of the plan."

"He's got his own plan. He intends to launch a preemptive strike on Marley." Jean rubbed his face, setting his book down on his leg. "He's basically starting a war. Damn suicidal maniac."

Skye folded up the newspaper and set it down in her lap, keeping her eyes on Sebastian. "Did he say when? How does this affect the plan for the princess?"

"We're altering it," he told her. "Cassandra, her son, and Eren are the priorities. We'll get them all in one fell swoop."

"Why not just get Eren out now? No one else knows he's here."

Jean sat back, flipping through the pages of his book. "He threatened to attack sooner if we tried. He also threatened to disrupt our current plan to rescue Princess Cassandra and her son."

Skye whipped her head to look at him. Jean confirmed her silent shock. "Yeah. I don't think he's bluffing."

"Eren isn't the type to," she reminded, and sighed. She turned to resume watching Sebastian. He laughed as he was chased by another boy, happy and oblivious. "So...what're my orders?"

Jean slid his book along the bench over to her. Skye discreetly grabbed the book, tucking it under her thigh. She noticed a man standing a hundred yards away, immediately recognizing the red armband he wore. A Warrior? The man was staring at her. She looked away but could see him out the corner of her eye. "We're being watched. Nine o'clock."

"I see him." Jean checked his watch and got up. "I'll be in touch. Don't let Cassandra see Eren again."

"Understood."

He readjusted his coat and walked off. Skye noticed the Warrior walking over, and she moved the book hidden beneath her leg. Hiding it under the folded newspaper in her lap. She flicked her gaze back to Sebastian as she racked her brain as to why the Warrior was walking over. Who is he? I don't recognize him. Cass told me their names, but I don't have any idea what they look like. Maybe he's just walking by? Shit, he's not.

The Warrior stopped a couple feet away. His hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. "Uh, hi. Cassandra, right?"

Skye looked up at him. "No, but I work for her. Who're you?"

"Oh. I'm sorry. I thought you were her." He took a step back, immediately looking away. "I'm, uh, Porco Galliard."

Skye scanned Porco from head to toe. She smirked at his submissive demeanor, and then held out her hand. "Skye Zacharias."

Porco peeked at her outstretched hand, frowning in confusion. Hesitating at first, he shook her hand. Skye held onto him a bit longer than necessary before letting him go. It truly intrigued her how the Eldians acted towards Marleyans. Like they welcomed the oppression. "Did you need something from Miss Reiss?"

"Yeah. I mean, no. I just was just going to say hi." He stuffed his hand back into his pocket. "You work for Cassandra? Then, you know about...?"

"Would be kind of awkward if I didn't."

Porco finally met her gaze, surprised by her easy-going tone. "And it doesn't bother you? She's an Eldian from Paradis Isle."

"Why would it bother me? A young mother who's a prisoner in an enemy nation? Forced to have their children?" She stopped, dialing back her rising irritation. "It probably looks weird, doesn't it? Why would a Marleyan care about an Eldian?"

"It's weird," he admitted. "But you're a charity worker, right? I heard you used to work in family services."

"That's right."

"That's weirder because I don't think there's been family services in the ghetto since the dissolvement of the Eldian Restorationists twenty years ago," he said. "The whole department took a step back because they felt us Eldians took advantage of their kindness."

Skye pursed her lips as she looked away. She tried to suppress her smirk. "This is gonna make me sound so egotistical, but...I like to think I'm a rare breed. Just because a handful of you devils decided to rebel, doesn't mean all of you desire to, right? You're different. The fact that you're a Warrior means you obey your masters. You follow the rules. You're a good dog...right?"

With each question, Porco's frown had deepened. His eyes were on the ground, glaring defiantly. Skye stood up, tucking the newspaper and book under her arm. "When I first saw Miss Reiss, I didn't see an island devil. I saw a young mother in need of an ally. The next time you question my intentions or my job, I will report you."

"I'm sorry," he said suddenly. His frown replaced by a look of fear. "I wasn't trying to interrogate you or anything. I didn't mean to offend you. And you're right. I obey my orders and I follow the rules. So I'm sorry. I was out of line."

Skye sighed, then slowly nodded. "Don't worry about it. I feel for you people. I really do. My life was by no means easy, but...in a way, I've had advantages you'll never have. Then again, no one said life was fair."

Porco nodded in agreement. "It's definitely not."

Skye waved for Sebastian, calling his name. She held out her hand, patiently waiting as Sebastian ran over. He ran right up, and clasped her hand, still full of energy. Skye turned back to Porco before walking away. "Have a good day, Mr Galliard. I look forward to seeing you at the festival."

Warrior HQ, a month later...

Cassandra sat on the elegant green couch, facing a silent, dark-haired woman. The room was quiet save for the soft ticking of the wall clock. The room was one of the nicer ones. Not really an office. A large, grand room with ornate furniture and a balcony facing the front courtyard. Cassandra peeked at the dark-haired woman. She sat there, eyes closed, back pin-straight. She's like a statue...or she's asleep. "What's your name?"

"Lara," the woman said without opening her eyes.

"How much longer do I have to wait?"

"Lord Tybur will be here shortly," she assured Cassandra. "Please don't mistake his tardiness for disrespect."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes at Lara. "Are you his wife?"

Lara finally opened her eyes, revealing intelligent gray orbs. "Sister."

"You don't look like him," she noted, tilting her head.

Lara tilted her head in the other direction. "You've met my brother? Strange, he hardly travels into Liberio."

"But when he does...he always makes a point to visit The Berghain." Cassandra frowned. She recalled the eloquent man with long blond hair. He always sat in the VIP section, sent gifts of flowers and notes of praise. Oddly, he never requested a private show. Never requested to meet her. Until now.

The doors opened and Lord Tybur strolled in along with a few Tybur guards. Lara stood up to greet her brother, her hands clasped in front of her. But Cassandra remained seated. Simply watching as Lara approached her brother. He kissed her cheek and she whispered something in his ear. Lord Tybur's eyes flicked to Cassandra. He approached her with a dazzling smile. "Cassandra Reiss. At last, we meet!"

Now, she stood. Lord Tybur took her hand and softly kissed her knuckles. "My name is Willy Tybur. I am a huge fan of yours, Miss Reiss. You have the voice of an angel."

Cassandra slipped her hand free, uncomfortable with the praise. "Thank you, Lord Tybur. Forgive me for being direct, but why am I here? The festival's started and I have an eager son at home waiting to enjoy it."

"I understand. And please," he gestured for to sit, "forgive me for this sudden notice."

She obliged, smoothing her skirt as she sat. "Notice of what?"

"Your role in my first ever theatrical production," he said proudly, plopping down on the opposite couch where Lara once sat.

"What?" She glanced at Lara who offered no answer or explanation. "The one this evening? Why are you only telling me now?"

Willy waved his hands, gesturing for her to stay calm. "I know how unorthodox this is. In truth, I only planned to announce your presence during the production. However...I believe an actual appearance would really drive the message home as they say. Solidify Marley's declaration of war."

"By putting your brood mare on display," she corrected. "I may not have a choice in my own fate, Lord Tybur...but I don't appreciate being paraded and dehumanized. Not that you know what that feels like."

"That isn't my intention at all. You're of incredible value to Marley and her future. The children you will bear...once we've taken back the Founding Titan, Marley will once again stand at the top of the world."

"I thought Marley already was," she said, cocking her eyebrow.

Willy's smile changed. "You sing like an angel, look like an angel..."

"Doesn't mean I am one." She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Look, I'm a prisoner here. I don't want to pretend otherwise. What's the point of making me go on that stage? Other than to show me off as the 'Devil Princess of Paradis Isle'?"

Willy took a moment to process her questions. He idly tapped his finger on his thigh. "My declaration to the world...is more than just flaunting Marley's power. I will be exposing the truth. The real truth of what happened a hundred years ago. On that isolated island you're from...you knew nothing of our people's history."

"Our people...interesting that you consider us the same."

"Aren't we? We're both Eldian," he said with a soft shrug. "The Tybur Family is old. Almost as old as the Fritz Family, or rather Reiss as you're now called. Believe it or not, the Tybur Family is descended from Maria. Ymir's eldest daughter. It may be incredibly distant, but we are kin."

Cassandra rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. "No offense, Lord Tybur...but I don't care. I've been here for four years, and every single person here is so obsessed with what happened in the past that it's disturbing. Granted, life back home was far from perfect, but people were definitely happier."

Now, his smile fell. "Then we've come to the differences between us. You and the people of the island are undeserving of that happiness. If you knew the truth, the whole truth...perhaps then you'd understand my point of view."

Cassandra opened her mouth, but quickly closed it. There's no point in arguing...not when the end is so close. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, combing through their conversation. Finally, she said, "There's no need to try to convince me to do anything, Lord Tybur. I don't need to understand or sympathize. I already have no choice in this. So just tell me what you want me to do."

Willy nodded, accepting her words. "Very well. Let's go over the details."

Internment Zone...

Skye stood on the outskirts of the festival, waiting patiently with an impatient Sebastian. People were pouring into the ghetto, eager to enjoy the various food and game booths. Sebastian groaned as he watched the other kids laugh and scream in delight. "Can we go in now?"

"You said you wanted to wait for your mom."

Sebastian threw his head back, groaning even more. He did want to wait for his mother. He wanted to enjoy the festival with her. But seeing the other kids enjoying it so much was wearing down his resolve. Skye glanced down the street and then shook Sebastian's hand. "There she is."

Sebastian whipped his head around. "Mama!" he beamed and slipped free.

"Seb!"

Skye hurried after him, but Sebastian was too fast and unhindered by heels. Sebastian jumped into Cassandra's arms, giving her a big hug. She held him tight, savoring the hug as Skye finally caught up. "Where've you been?"

Cassandra sighed as she hugged Sebastian a little longer. "With terrible people. But I'm better now."

"Mama...can't breathe..."

Cassandra set Sebastian down and smoothed his shirt and sweater. "Sorry, baby. You ready to have some fun?"

"Yes!" he beamed.

She took his hand and followed his lead. Skye walked alongside them. Her outfit was oddly similar to Cassandra. They were both wearing lovely blue dresses and hats. Albeit different shades. To a stranger, they almost looked like sisters. Similar builds, same height, same hair cut. To a stranger, they almost looked identical. Sebastian led them over to a booth, joining a few other kids in watching a clown juggle. Skye stood close to Cassandra, keeping her voice low but casual. "Everything's in place. They are supposed to arrive after the signal."

"Good," Cassandra said. She glanced around the crowd, noting how many Marleyans were pouring in. "But...there is this one thing that might pose an issue to the plan."

"What?"

Cassandra stayed close as they followed Sebastian to a game booth. "Willy Tybur wants me in his play."

"What?" Skye quickly realized she had spoken too loud. "When? Why?"

"After his declaration to the world, he wants me to come on stage. Parade me around like a peacock, I guess. How did he put it? I'm the 'key to Marley's future'."

Skye rolled her eyes at this. She rubbed her forehead, the panic rising. "Dammit. Okay. Let me think for a second." Skye took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll go find our contact. Figure something out."

"I don't know why we can't just slip out now," Cassandra whispered. "Why even need to alter anything? Put us on a boat and we're gone."

"Shush," Skye scolded. "And no, we can't put you on a boat because the port...nevermind."

"What about the port?"

"Forget the port."

"Skye-"

"Relax. I'll handle it," she said. Skye glanced around, fidgeting with her hat. "Okay. Don't go too far from this spot. I'll come find you when I'm done."

The lack of information was getting under Cassandra's skin. But she forced herself to be patient. "Fine."

"And don't go looking for him," she added. "I'll be right back."

Cassandra said nothing as she watched Skye stomp off. Sebastian was too busy admiring the clown to notice the exchange. Cassandra waited. She waited as Skye disappeared into the crowd. And once she could no longer see her, Cassandra scooped Sebastian up into her arms and took off. Sebastian latched onto his mother's shoulders. "Mama, I can walk."

"I know, but this is faster."

Sebastian grunted in protest, but made no efforts to get down. His mother was walking too fast for him to try. The other booths caught his eye. Games children were playing, prizes they were winning. Unfamiliar scents of food filled his nose. He begged Cassandra again to let him down, but she refused. Almost breaking into a run. "Mama, slow down."

"We're almost there." She re-adjusted him on her hip as she slowed her pace. Cassandra scanned their surroundings. She recognized the newly built theater, and headed for it.

On the side bleachers, a wounded Eldian soldier sat alone. Cassandra stopped several yards away from him. Her heart pounding. She set Sebastian down and knelt to his eye level. She held onto his hands, rubbing his soft knuckles. "Listen to me. We're going to see a friend of mine, but you can't tell Miss Skye."

"Why not?"

"Because we're not allowed to see him. Miss Skye can't know, okay?"

Sebastian frowned. "But...we'll get in trouble. Follow the rules, remember?"

Cassandra silently scolded herself. "I know. Following the rules is how we stay safe. It's how we stay together. But...I really need to see my friend. I have to tell him something important."

His frown deepened. "A friend like Mr Zeke?"

"No. This one is a real friend. His name is Eren." She glanced over at Eren who was waiting patiently. She stood up straight, letting one of his hands go. "Come on. Let's go say hi."

Sebastian said nothing, letting his mother lead him. As they approached, Eren grabbed his crutch and stood up. Sebastian felt a sliver of fear and latched onto his mother's leg. Cassandra stroked his hair, soothing his anxiety as she spoke to Eren. "The plans are changing."

"Because the Tyburs want you on stage," he said softly.

"Yeah...how'd you know?"

Eren lowered his gaze to Sebastian who promptly hid his face behind Cassandra's skirt. "I figured they would. They're not that stupid. A gathering of Marley's military, nobles, and ambassadors is the perfect opportunity to strike. Putting you on that stage is a last ditch effort to protect themselves."

"I know. And there was no point in trying to get out of it because I don't have a choice," she said. "But I told Skye."

"What'd she say?" he asked, flicking his gaze back to her.

"Just that she'd handle it." She shrugged, growing frustrated. "I really hate being kept out of the loop like this. Skye won't tell me anything, Zeke and the others won't tell me anything...you won't either."

Eren blinked. "I haven't lied to you."

Cassandra gave him a look. "But you haven't told me everything. No one will tell me why I can't just take my son and myself on a boat and sail away. That was the initial plan, but that went out the window when you decided to-"

"Okay. I get it." He gestured for her to calm down. "You're right. The initial plan would've still worked even with me being here. But, I don't know why they changed it. All I know is that they're coming for us."

Sebastian looked up at Cassandra. "Mama, what's he talking about?" She slowly ran her fingers through his hair. He growled at her silent command and stopped her hand, surprising her. "Mama!"

"Seb, please."

"It's okay," Eren said. He sat back down and lowered his gaze to the boy. Sebastian hid again, latching onto Cassandra's leg tighter this time. Eren leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Your name's Sebastian, right? I'm Eren."

Sebastian peeked around Cassandra's skirt, curious and shy. Cassandra put a hand on his back encouragingly, easing him. Sebastian nodded to answer Eren's question. "Mama said you're a friend...?"

"I am. She and I have been friends for years."

"Mama never talked about you," he pointed out.

Eren snuck a glance at Cassandra. "Has she ever talked about her home?"

Sebastian nodded. "Mama's from a island. But it's a secret. Nobody's supposed to know."

"It's not secret. It's special."

"A special island?" he asked, tilting his head in curiosity. Cassandra stroked Sebastian's hair.

Eren nodded. "I'm from there, too. A place where you don't have to hide what you are. A place where no one tells you to hate the blood in your veins." He held out his hand. "Your mom's very special back home. That means you are, too."

Sebastian blinked, staring at Eren's hand. He looked up at Cassandra and she nodded encouragingly. Tentatively, he placed his small hand into Eren's. Sebastian furred his brows as the look on Eren's face changed. The blankness growing more serious, almost sad. Cassandra noticed this. "Eren? Are you okay?"

Eren slowly withdrew his hand, his gaze glued to Sebastian. "Yeah. You are special, Sebastian. Don't forget that."

Sebastian frowned in confusion, grabbing Cassandra's hand for comfort. Eren got up once more, tucking the crutch under his left armpit. He slipped his free hand around the back of Cassandra's neck, gently bringing her close to him as he bent down. He pressed his cheek to hers, his lips close to her ear. "You're right. You've always been annoyingly perceptive."

"What're you-?"

"I promise I'll tell you everything," he said. "Once we're back home. I owe you that."

Cassandra furred her brows, confused but unable to say anything more. Eren kissed her. A soft burst of affection. And then he stepped back, his fingers tracing her neck until he dropped his arm. "I'll see you both real soon."

With that, he limped away. Cassandra watched him leave in a daze. Sebastian glanced back and forth from his mother to the retreating Eren. "Mama?"

She snapped to attention. Cassandra pressed her hand to her forehead and glanced around, her cheeks reddening. Hoping no one else saw or heard anything. With a huff, she picked Sebastian up and held onto him tight. "Come on. We gotta get back to Miss Skye before dark."

End of Chapter 36