The soft morning light crept through the tattered curtains of my room, casting a mellow golden hue across Evelyn's sleeping form. Her breath came in gentle, rhythmic waves, her body curled against mine with an intimacy that still caught me off guard. Even after everything we'd been through, these quiet moments felt like stolen treasure.

"Don't overfeed the turtle," she mumbled, her words a nonsensical whisper that pulled a rare smile from me. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what bizarre dream could have prompted such a statement. The absurdity of her sleep-talking was a stark contrast to the fierce warrior I knew her to be – a reminder of the vulnerability she rarely showed when awake.

The peaceful silence shattered with a sharp knock at the door.

Evelyn groaned, her fingers tightening around my waist as she nuzzled closer to my neck. "Tell them to fuck off," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep and irritation. I could feel the tension in her body, the way she instinctively tried to burrow deeper into the warmth of our shared moment.

Carefully, mindful of my broken leg, I extracted myself from her embrace. Each movement was calculated, years of survival instincts preventing any sudden movements that might cause additional pain. The floor was cold beneath my feet, a stark reminder of the harsh reality that always waited just beyond our momentary peace.

When I opened the door, Erwin stood there – his face a mask of professional detachment that betrayed nothing of the weight he carried. The morning light caught the lines of his face, making him look older, more worn than I'd ever seen him.

"I need you to remain here with Eren," he said without preamble, his voice clipped and efficient. "I'm going to Ehrmich to hopefully convince Evelyn to help with our problem. We've only been given a few days until we have to hand over Eren to the MPs."

I felt a flicker of irritation at his words. Of course, even now, Erwin was plotting and planning, always three steps ahead of everyone else. It was what made him an effective leader, but it also made him dangerous. I knew all too well the cost of his strategies.

I studied him for a moment, weighing my response. "Understood," I replied, my tone equally clipped. "But Evelyn's already here. She stayed the night."

Erwin raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. It was rare to catch him off guard, and I felt a small, petty satisfaction at having done so. "Oh, good," he said after a moment. "I'll go to her room then before she leaves for Ehrmich."

I hesitated for a moment, weighing the consequences of my next words. Evelyn and I had been discreet about our relationship, knowing the complications it could bring in our line of work. But in that moment, faced with Erwin's assumption and the looming threat to Eren, I decided that honesty was the best course of action.

I stepped back, opening the door wider. "She's here," I said, gesturing towards the bed where Evelyn was still curled up under the covers.

Erwin glanced at me, then at the bed, his expression unreadable. I braced myself for a reprimand, for a lecture on the dangers of personal attachments in our line of work. Instead, he simply sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do I even want to ask why she's in your bed?" he asked, his voice tinged with exasperation.

I remained silent, meeting his gaze steadily. There was no need for explanations or justifications. What Evelyn and I had was ours, a small piece of humanity in a world that seemed determined to strip it away.

"Just make sure she meets me in the main hall before she heads out," Erwin said finally, turning to leave.

As I closed the door, I heard the rustle of sheets behind me. Evelyn was sitting up now, her hair a tangled mess and her eyes still heavy with sleep. Despite the circumstances, I couldn't help but admire the way the early morning light played across her features, softening the hard edges that life had carved into her.

"I better get ready to see what sunshine wants," she grumbled, glancing at the clock. "Man, Jake's going to be pissy. I hope he's not running around Ehrmich looking for me."

I made my way back to the bed, my leg protesting with each step. "You know," I said, my voice low, "you could always tell Erwin to shove it and come back to bed."

Evelyn paused in the act of pulling on her shirt, a mischievous glint in her eyes. For a moment, I saw a flash of the carefree girl she might have been in another life, one without walls and titans and the constant specter of death.

"That would be nice," she said, her voice wistful. "But I'm already on Nile's shit list. He's probably waiting outside MP headquarters for me to yell about burning down another building." She shook her head, a rueful smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "It's a long story."

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued despite myself. Evelyn's time with the MPs was a patchwork of half-truths and carefully guarded secrets, and each new revelation only seemed to deepen the mystery surrounding her. "I've got time," I said, settling back against the headboard.

Evelyn's laugh was sharp and unexpected, cutting through the tension that had been building since Erwin's arrival. "Oh? And do you plan to tie me down to get me to stay a little longer?"

The playful challenge in her voice stirred something in me, a rare moment of mischief breaking through my typically stoic demeanor. In one fluid motion, I reached out and pulled her back onto the bed, my hand firm but gentle on her wrist.

"I'm not letting you go just yet," I murmured, my face inches from hers.

For a moment, we stayed like that, suspended in a bubble of our own making. I could feel the warmth of her breath on my skin, see the flecks of silver in her blue eyes. In that instant, the world beyond these walls ceased to exist. There were no titans, no military politics, no looming threats. Just us, two people who had found something worth fighting for in each other.

But reality, as always, was quick to reassert itself. Evelyn's expression sobered, the playfulness fading from her eyes. "Levi," she said softly, her hand coming up to cup my cheek. "As much as I love having you all to myself, I should go see what bushy eyebrows has to say."

I nodded, knowing she was right. We both had responsibilities that couldn't be ignored, no matter how much we might want to. I watched as Evelyn quickly packed up her things, my movements automatic as my mind raced with thoughts of what Erwin could want. Whatever it was, I doubted it would be good news. Nothing ever seemed to be these days.

As we entered the main hall, I made my way to the small kitchen area, intent on making a cup of tea. The familiar routine helped to center me, even as I kept a watchful eye on Evelyn and Erwin. I could see the tension in Evelyn's shoulders, the way her fingers tapped restlessly against her thigh as she listened to whatever Erwin was saying.

Eren sat at the table, poking listlessly at his breakfast. The poor kid looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and I couldn't blame him. After yesterday's disastrous expedition, we were all feeling the strain. I watched as Evelyn plopped down in a chair, snagging a piece of toast off Erwin's plate with a casual "Thanks" that ignored his exasperated look.

Erwin pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture I was becoming all too familiar with. "Scarlet, I know your mission with us is over, but Eren's life hangs in the balance... How much money do you have?"

I tensed at his words, my hand tightening around my teacup. Whatever Erwin was planning, it was clear he was desperate. And a desperate Erwin was a dangerous Erwin.

Evelyn looked at him, confusion evident in her voice. "Why, you want a grant off me?" she said sarcastically.

"No, but... you're an MP, and MPs are big on paying off certain people-"

Evelyn cut him off, her voice sharp. "Oh, no, no. I'm not paying off Zachary to let you guys keep Eren." She leaned back in her chair, her mind clearly racing. "There's nothing I can do-" She paused, her eyes landing on a spoon on the table. I could almost see the moment an idea began to form in her mind. "Ah, ah spoon! Hmm, yes, that could be it," she mumbled.

I watched as she slipped on her circular sunglasses, already planning her next move. "I'll be back later. I need to check up on my pet rat," she said, ignoring Erwin's confused look as she headed for the door.

~

Evelyn's perspective:

As I approached the Military Police building, I spotted Jake pacing anxiously outside. His face was a mix of relief and frustration as he caught sight of me, and I felt a pang of guilt. I had been so caught up in my own world that I hadn't even thought to let him know where I was.

"Where the hell have you been?" Jake demanded, his voice a blend of concern and irritation. His hazel eyes, usually filled with mischief, now bore into me with an intensity that made me squirm.

I stepped out of the carriage, my boots hitting the cobblestone with a soft thud. The familiar weight of my gear pressed against my thighs, a constant reminder of the life I had chosen – or perhaps, the life that had chosen me.

"Sorry, got caught up with some Scout business," I said, trying to keep my tone casual. I ran a hand through my raven hair, pushing it back from my face. "Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

Jake's eyes narrowed, clearly not buying my nonchalant act. "Oh, nothing much. Just had to cover for you in front of Nile, make up some bullshit about you following a lead. You know, the usual."

I winced, the guilt intensifying. Jake was more than just my partner; he was my friend, one of the few people in this world I truly trusted. And I had left him hanging. "I owe you one, Jake. Really."

He sighed, running a hand through his sandy hair. "Yeah, yeah. Just... next time, give me a head's up, alright? I was worried sick."

As we entered the building, the buzz of activity hit us like a wave. The air was thick with tension, and snippets of conversation reached my ears, most of them centered around the Scouts' failed expedition and speculation about their future. I felt a knot form in my stomach, thinking about what this could mean for Eren... and for Levi.

Levi. His face flashed in my mind, those steel-gray eyes that could cut through bullshit faster than his blades could cut through Titan flesh. I pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand. There would be time to sort out my feelings later – if we survived this mess.

We made our way to the meeting room, the tension in the air palpable. As we took our seats, Nile Dok fixed us with a stern gaze. His mustache twitched with barely contained anger as he spoke.

"Scarlet, Novak, you're late again," he barked. "This meeting is to discuss Erwin's farce of an expedition. Erwin's recent expedition was nothing more than a lie. He didn't go out there to reclaim Wall Maria but instead tried to capture this so-called Female Titan and even failed at that. Am I correct on this?"

Jake nodded, his face carefully neutral. "Yes, sir. Erwin had lied to us as well about the true intention of the expedition, using Eren as bait to try and capture the titan."

I felt a surge of anger at the memory. The image of Levi's squad, broken and bloodied, flashed before my eyes. "The losses were indeed great," I added, my voice hard. "Even Levi's entire squad was killed during the expedition, due to Erwin's ridiculous plans."

Another high-ranking MP spoke up, his voice filled with disdain. "It seems like the Scouts cannot be trusted. I think we've let them do as they please for too damn long. Those in the high ranks should be arrested and the entire Regiment disbanded."

My eyes widened in shock. "I understand arresting Erwin, but the others? Isn't that a bit extreme?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I cursed inwardly at my lack of control.

The MP's gaze turned to me, his eyes cold. "I've seen most of Erwin's captains. They are just as deluded as him, more so mentally unstable. Section Commander Hange thinks of titans as pets. Then you have Captain Levi, an ex-criminal from the underground that Erwin took in. He had even committed murder in the underground and got off free with many other of his crimes."

I felt my blood boil at his words. They didn't know Levi, didn't understand what he had been through or the man he had become. The urge to defend him was overwhelming, but I knew I couldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. I had to think strategically.

Taking a deep breath, I leaned back in my chair, adopting an air of boredom. "I suggest we give them one last chance to do something right," I said, my voice cool and detached. "Such as capture the Female Titan."

Nile considered this for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "I'll give them two more weeks," he finally said. "Though I doubt they'll be able to manage such a task. More likely, Erwin will dig himself into his own grave."

As the meeting drew to a close, I felt a mix of determination and dread settle in my stomach. The next few days would be crucial. Lives hung in the balance, and the fate of the Scouts – of Levi – rested on what we did next.

I stood, adjusting my sunglasses as I prepared to leave. "If that's all, gentlemen, I have some leads to follow up on. We wouldn't want to waste this opportunity, would we?" Without waiting for a response, I strode out of the room, Jake close on my heels.

As we walked down the corridor, I glanced at Jake. "I have some business in the underground I need to attend to," I said, keeping my voice low. "I'll probably be busy till tomorrow."

Jake raised an eyebrow but didn't question me. He knew better than to pry when I used that tone. "Just... be careful, alright?" he said, concern evident in his voice.

I nodded, giving him a small smile before we parted ways. As soon as Jake was out of sight, I made my way to the underground, my mind racing with possibilities. If I was going to help Eren – help Levi – I needed information, and I knew just where to get it.

~

The descent into the underground was like stepping into another world. The air grew thick and musty, the light dimming with each step down the worn stone stairs. The oppressive atmosphere was a stark contrast to the life I once knew as a princess, and yet, there was a strange comfort in its familiarity.

I made my way through the winding alleys, my senses on high alert. The underground was a dangerous place, filled with desperate people willing to do anything to survive. But I knew how to handle myself here – it was where I had truly learned to fight, to survive.

Finally, I reached my destination: a shady little bar tucked away in a dimly lit corner. The sign above the door was faded and peeling, barely legible in the flickering lamplight. I pushed open the door, the hinges creaking in protest.

The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with smoke and the sour smell of cheap alcohol. A few patrons huddled in corners, nursing their drinks and eyeing me warily. I strode up to the bar, my boots echoing on the worn wooden floor.

The barman, a scrawny fellow with one eye, looked up as I approached. His good eye widened in recognition, and he took an involuntary step back. "E-Evelyn!" he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "What can I do for you? I haven't done anything, I swear!"

I leaned in, a smirk playing on my lips. "Now, now, don't get too excited and piss yourself," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "You should at least be polite and offer a girl a drink."

The barman's hand shook as he poured me a whiskey, the amber liquid sloshing against the sides of the glass. I took it from him, raising it in a mock toast. "See, was that so hard?" I took a sip, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. "Now then, on to business. Who's been buying Military plans? I need details on who's buying Survey Corps expedition plans."

The barman remained silent, his one good eye darting nervously around the room. I finished my drink in one swift gulp, setting the glass down with a sharp clink. "Hmm? Cat got your tongue?" I leaned in closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Well, I could always spoon out your other eye if that will help."

The threat hung in the air, heavy and palpable. The barman's face went pale, and I could see the internal struggle playing out in his eye. Finally, he broke. "Alright, alright," he whispered, his voice trembling. "There's been a group, coming in late at night. They don't say much, but they've been flashing a lot of cash. I've heard them mention the Scouts a few times."

I nodded, processing the information. "And when do these late-night visitors usually show up?"

The barman glanced at the clock on the wall. "They've only shown up a few times, I don't know who they are"

A plan began to form in my mind. I finished my drink and yanked the man over the table, my grip firm on his collar. "Come on, buddy. We're going on a little trip," I said, my voice casual despite the threat underlying my words. "It's a long ride, so try not to piss yourself."

As I dragged the barman out of the dingy establishment, my mind raced with possibilities. This could be the break we needed – a chance to uncover who was leaking information to our enemies. But it was also dangerous. If I was caught, it could mean the end of my career, or worse.

We made our way through the winding alleys of the underground, the barman stumbling along beside me. The further we went, the more nervous he became, his one good eye darting around frantically.

"Where... where are we going?" he finally managed to stammer out.

I tightened my grip on his arm. "Somewhere we can have a nice, private chat," I replied, my voice deceptively calm.

~

Levi's perspective:

After Evelyn left, I made my way to the main hall, my injured leg protesting with each step. The room was quiet, save for the soft clink of my spoon against the teacup as I stirred my morning brew. Erwin sat across from me, his eyes fixed on some distant point, lost in thought. Eren hunched over his breakfast, pushing food around his plate without eating.

The weight of yesterday's failures hung heavy in the air. I could see it in the slump of Eren's shoulders, in the tightness around Erwin's eyes. Hell, I could feel it in my own bones, a constant ache that had nothing to do with my physical injuries.

"Levi," Erwin's voice broke the silence, "about Evelyn..."

I fixed him with a hard stare, daring him to continue. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head. "Never mind. It's not important right now."

"Captain," Eren's hesitant voice pulled me from my thoughts. "I... I'm sorry about your squad. It's my fault. If I had just-"

"Stop," I cut him off, my voice sharper than I intended. I took a breath, forcing myself to soften my tone. "It wasn't your fault, Eren. We all made choices out there. The consequences... they're on all of us."

Eren nodded, but I could see the guilt still weighing on him. Damn kid carried too much on his shoulders. Then again, didn't we all?

As the day wore on, I found myself growing restless. My thoughts kept drifting to Evelyn, wondering what she was up to in Ehrmich. Knowing her, probably stirring up trouble. The thought brought a faint smile to my lips, quickly replaced by a frown as I remembered the precarious position we were in.

The MPs wanted Eren. Hell, they probably wanted all of us locked up or worse. And here we were, sitting on our asses, waiting for... what? A miracle?

~

The dim light of the abandoned castle's room cast long shadows across the weathered stone walls, creating an atmosphere of quiet tension. I sat in an old wooden chair, my broken leg propped up on a nearby stool, nursing a cup of steaming tea. The familiar scent of black tea leaves wafted through the air, offering a small comfort in the midst of our precarious situation. Across from me, Eren fidgeted nervously, his green eyes darting around the room as if expecting danger to materialize at any moment.

I took a slow sip of my tea, savoring the bitter taste as I contemplated our current predicament. The silence stretched between us, broken only by the occasional creak of the old castle settling. Finally, I couldn't contain my impatience any longer.

"What's the hold up?" I muttered, more to myself than to Eren. "Erwin's never late. They should be here by now. At this rate, the damn MPs will show up first. That'll be our luck."

I noticed Eren's surprised expression from the corner of my eye. It wasn't like me to be so talkative, especially about my concerns. But the weight of recent events and the uncertainty of our future pressed heavily on my mind.

"C-Captain," Eren stammered, his voice hesitant. "You seem... unusually talkative today."

I fixed him with a stern glare, taking another sip of my tea before responding. "So what if I am? Doesn't mean I was talking to you."

Eren flinched slightly at my harsh tone, but I couldn't bring myself to care. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Evelyn, the warmth of her body against mine as we woke up together this morning. Our newly rekindled relationship felt like a fragile flame, one that could be extinguished by the slightest breeze of our dangerous circumstances.

"It's really quiet without Evelyn around," Eren mused, breaking into my thoughts. "I wonder what she meant this morning about her pet rat."

I remained silent, not willing to indulge Eren's curiosity about Evelyn. Instead, I decided to shift the conversation to more pressing matters.

"Eren," I began, my voice low and serious. "How do you feel about being used as bait in the last expedition?"

The young soldier's eyes widened, a mix of emotions flashing across his face. I watched as he struggled to formulate an answer, his hands clenching and unclenching in his lap.

"I... I want to be useful to humanity," Eren said finally, his voice trembling slightly. "But I can't help feeling afraid. What if I'm not strong enough? What if I fail and more people die because of me?"

I listened intently, Eren's words stirring memories of my own doubts and fears when I first joined the Scouts. The weight of responsibility, the knowledge that lives depended on your actions – it was a burden that never truly lightened.

"Fear is natural," I said, surprising myself with the gentleness in my tone. "But it's what you do in the face of that fear that defines you. You have a power that can change the course of this war, Eren. It's up to you to decide how to use it."

Eren nodded, a look of determination settling over his features.

The sudden crash of the door flying open shattered the uneasy silence. In an instant, I was on my feet, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through my leg as I reached for the knife concealed in my boot. A scruffy man with one eye tumbled through the doorway, landing face-first on the worn stone floor. My muscles tensed, ready for a fight, but the sight of a familiar figure stepping into the room behind him made me pause.

Evelyn Scarlet, her raven hair slightly disheveled and her blue eyes gleaming with a dangerous light, placed her boot firmly on the back of the man's head. The corners of her mouth quirked up in a smile that was equal parts amused and menacing.

"Now, now," she said, her voice a blend of authority and dark humor that sent a shiver down my spine. "I thought I told you to behave. Or do you need another reminder of what happens to naughty little rats?"

Relief washed over me at the sight of her, though I was careful not to let it show too plainly on my face. Evelyn's presence always had a way of both calming and exciting me, a contradiction that I had long since given up trying to understand.

"Evelyn," I said, my voice betraying more emotion than I intended. "What's going on? Where are the others?"

She glanced around the room, her piercing gaze taking in the absence of our comrades. "That's what I was about to ask you. Where's Erwin and the rest of the squad?"

Eren shrugged uncertainly, while I offered a terse explanation. "They haven't arrived yet. We've been waiting for hours."

Evelyn's brow furrowed, a look of concern flashing across her face. "That's not like Erwin. Something must have happened."

I nodded in agreement, my eyes flicking between Evelyn and the man still pinned beneath her boot. "And who's your new friend?"

A sly smile curved Evelyn's lips, a familiar expression that both intrigued and unsettled me. "Oh, this? Just a pet rat I picked up in a shady bar in the underground. He's been quite helpful in providing some... interesting information."

As if on cue, the man on the floor suddenly exclaimed, his voice muffled against the stone, "O-okay, I don't know the name of the girl who bought the information about the Scouts' plans for the last expedition!"

Evelyn removed her boot, allowing him to scramble to his feet. She pushed him towards a chair, her voice taking on a dangerous edge that reminded me of our days in the underground. "You better sit down and think about it then. Or just like I did before, I'll spoon out your eye."

The threat hung in the air, a stark reminder of the lengths Evelyn was willing to go to protect what she cared about. It was a side of her that both impressed and concerned me, a reflection of the harsh world we lived in and the choices we were forced to make.

Before I could dwell on it further, the door opened once again. This time, Erwin stepped through, flanked by Armin and Mikasa. Eren's face lit up at the sight of his childhood friends, but the grim expression on Erwin's face quickly dampened any feelings of relief.

"Evelyn," Erwin said, his voice tight with tension. "How bad is the situation?"

Evelyn's face grew serious as she delivered her report, and I felt my stomach sink with each word. "Terrible. Your little stunt caused a big fuss. They were talking about arresting you and your captains and disbanding the entire Scout Regiment. I managed to convince them to give you another chance to capture the female titan. You have two weeks."

The weight of her words settled over the room like a heavy blanket. Two weeks. It seemed both an eternity and no time at all to accomplish such a monumental task. I watched as everyone settled into chairs around the room, the gravity of our situation etched on each face.

Erwin turned his piercing gaze on Evelyn, his voice carefully controlled. "So we've been given two weeks. What about you and Jake?"

"We've been reassigned to Stohess," Evelyn replied, her tone neutral, but I could detect the underlying frustration. "I came here off duty to help your stupid ass. I brought my pet rat along because I believe he sold the expedition plans to the person who is the female titan."

Erwin nodded, a flicker of gratitude passing over his features. "I'm grateful for the help, but why are you helping us?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes behind her circular sunglasses, and I had to suppress a smirk at her typical sass. "One, because I don't want Levi and the others to get arrested because you're an asshole. Two, because Eren will get executed," she stated bluntly. Then, fixing Erwin with a hard stare, she added, "You, however, I don't give a shit about."

I felt a warmth in my chest at her words, touched by her concern for me and the others, even as I maintained my stoic exterior. Evelyn had always been fiercely protective of those she cared about, a trait that had only grown stronger since our days in the underground.

She took off her sunglasses and leaned into the table, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "So listen up, kids, because I have some interesting things to share. Yesterday during the expedition, I was on my way to check on Eren. On my way, I spotted some suspicious people hanging around with their hoods up. Three of them, not counting the one that knocked me over the head. The three I saw were wearing military uniforms – two with the insignia of the Scouts, the other one had the insignia of the MPs."

The room fell silent as we processed this information. The implications were staggering – a potential traitor, or even multiple traitors, within our own ranks. I felt a cold fury building inside me at the thought of someone betraying us, endangering the lives of my comrades.

Evelyn turned her gaze to her scared informant, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Now, I suggest you tell me who bought that classified information off you, unless you'd rather lose that eye of yours."

The man cowered in fear, his one good eye wide with terror. "I don't know the name, I swear! It was some creepy-looking girl with blonde hair. She was wearing an MP uniform. I think she was new, looked about 15 or 16. That's all I know, I swear!"

The room fell into a tense silence as we all processed this information. It was Armin who finally broke the quiet, his brilliant mind working overtime to piece together the puzzle.

"A blonde MP who recently joined..." he mused aloud, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Could it be... Annie?"

Eren's head snapped up, his eyes wide with disbelief. "No way! Annie wouldn't... she couldn't be involved in this!"

I watched as emotions warred on Eren's face – denial, anger, confusion. It was a harsh reminder of how young and inexperienced many of our soldiers were, how unprepared they were for the brutal realities of our world.

Evelyn raised a brow and pulled out a piece of paper, her voice cutting through Eren's protests. "Annie, huh? What's the last name?"

"Leonhart," Armin replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Evelyn scanned over the classified paper she had stolen earlier, her eyes narrowing as she found what she was looking for. "Ah, Annie Leonhart, squad A-4, currently stationed at Stohess."

The implications of this revelation hung heavy in the air. Annie Leonhart, a fellow trainee to Eren, possibly the Female Titan who had caused so much destruction and death. I could see the shock and betrayal written plainly on Eren's face, while Mikasa's eyes hardened with determination.

"If Annie is indeed the Female Titan," Erwin said, breaking the tense silence, "then we need to formulate a plan to capture her. We can't afford to make any mistakes – not with only two weeks to prove ourselves."

I nodded in agreement, my mind already racing with potential strategies. "We'll need to be careful. If she suspects we're onto her, she could transform and cause massive casualties in Stohess."

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Jake and I are already assigned to Stohess. We could use that to our advantage, keep an eye on her movements without raising suspicion."

"Good thinking," Erwin agreed. "We'll need to coordinate closely. Armin, I want you to work on a detailed plan for luring Annie into a trap, I'll get Hange to focus on developing a way to restrain her if she transforms."

The meeting continued late into the night, plans being made and discarded, strategies debated and refined. Through it all, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the precipice of something monumental – a turning point in our fight against the titans and the mysteries that surrounded them.

As the others began to filter out of the room, their faces a mix of determination and exhaustion, Evelyn lingered behind.

Evelyn announced her intention to stay the night. "Oi, rat," she called to her informant, who had been cowering in the corner. "We're spending the night here. I wouldn't try to run off if I were you. Apparently, there's a crazed murderer who lives out in the forest who eats people... alive."

I couldn't help but smirk at her fabrication, deciding to play along. "Oh yeah," I added, my voice deadpan. "I've heard about that guy. They say he likes to start with the toes and work his way up. Takes days to finish a meal."

The informant's face paled visibly, his good eye darting nervously to the windows. Evelyn and I shared a moment of grim satisfaction, our shared history in the underground surfacing in this act of manipulation.

As we left the room, leaving the terrified informant to stew in his fear, I felt a sudden urge to be alone with Evelyn. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind, and we had barely had a moment to ourselves since rekindling our relationship. The weight of our responsibilities, the constant threat of death, and the emotional toll of potential betrayals all seemed to press down on me at once.

Without thinking, I leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that conveyed all the longing and frustration I'd been holding back. When we finally broke apart, I found myself saying, "Let's go back to my room."

Evelyn nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, still sexually frustrated from this morning, are you?" she teased, her voice low and husky.

As we made our way to my quarters, I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of our relationship. Evelyn had always been a force of nature, unpredictable and fierce, but also capable of a tenderness that few ever saw. In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, she was my anchor, a reminder of why we fought so hard to survive.

The dim light of the oil lamp cast long shadows across the room as Levi and I made our way to his quarters. My heart raced, a mix of anticipation and anxiety coursing through my veins. The weight of our situation, the looming threat of what was to come in the next two weeks, seemed to press down on us both. Yet, in this moment, all I could focus on was the warmth of Levi's hand in mine, the steady rhythm of his breathing beside me.

Evelyn's perspective:

As we stepped into his room, I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of our relationship. Levi had always been a constant in my life, even when everything else seemed to be falling apart. He was my rock, my anchor in the storm that was our existence. And I... well, I knew I was a force of nature, unpredictable and fierce. But with Levi, I found myself capable of a tenderness that few ever saw.

Once inside, Levi pulled me close, his strong arms encircling my waist. I melted into his embrace, relishing the warmth of his body against mine. For a moment, we simply stood there, foreheads touching, breathing each other in. It was a rare moment of peace in the eye of the storm that was our lives.

"Evelyn," Levi murmured, his voice rough with emotion. I could feel the vibration of his words against my skin. "Whatever happens in the next two weeks... I want you to know-"

I silenced him with a finger to his lips, my blue eyes meeting his intense gray ones. "I know, Levi," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Me too."

There was so much left unsaid between us, so many emotions swirling just beneath the surface. But in that moment, words seemed inadequate. Instead, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that spoke volumes.

Levi responded immediately, his hands sliding up my back to tangle in my hair. The kiss deepened, years of pent-up passion and longing pouring out in a desperate clash of lips and tongues. I could taste the faint bitterness of black tea on his breath, mixed with something uniquely Levi.

We stumbled towards the narrow bed, our hands frantically working to remove each other's clothes. I couldn't get enough of him, couldn't believe that after all this time, he was here in my arms again. As we fell onto the mattress, I took a moment to drink in the sight of him – his sculpted chest, the lean muscles of his arms, the way his eyes darkened with desire.

Levi's gaze roved over me with equal intensity. "You're beautiful," he murmured, trailing kisses along my collarbone. I arched into his touch, my fingers tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer.

"Levi," I gasped, my voice thick with need. "Please..."

His hands skimmed down my sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I shivered, my body hyper-aware of every point of contact between us. Levi's touch was both familiar and exhilarating, each caress igniting a fire within me that threatened to consume us both.

I let my own hands wander, tracing the hard planes of his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. My fingers dipped lower, following the trail of dark hair that disappeared beneath the waistband of his pants.

Levi's breath hitched as I reached for his belt, my movements deft and practiced. The sound of the buckle clinking and the fabric rustling was the only interruption to the heavy silence that had settled over the room. I pushed his pants down, my hand wrapping around his length as I stroked him in a steady, rhythmic motion.

Levi's head fell back, a strangled curse escaping his lips as his grip on me tightened, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of my waist. I couldn't help the smirk that played on my lips as I watched his expression contort with pleasure, his hips bucking involuntarily into my hand.

"Evie," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "If you keep that up, this is going to be over embarrassingly fast."

I laughed softly, leaning in to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "We can't have that, can we?" I teased, releasing him and pushing him onto his back.

Levi's eyes burned with intensity as he watched me straddle him, my hands braced on his chest. Slowly, torturously, I lowered myself onto him, gasping at the feeling of fullness. Levi's hands flew to my hips, steadying me as I began to move.

We found our rhythm quickly, bodies moving together in a dance as old as time itself. The world outside faded away, narrowing down to just the two of us, to the points where our bodies connected, to the shared breaths and soft moans that filled the air.

I lost myself in the sensation, in the feeling of Levi inside me, his hands on my skin, his lips on my neck. Every thrust sent sparks of pleasure shooting through my body, building and building until I felt like I might shatter from the intensity of it all.

"Levi," I gasped, my movements becoming more frantic as I chased my release. "I'm close... I'm-"

"Let go, Evie," Levi murmured, his voice strained. "I've got you."

And with those words, I did. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me, my body trembling as I cried out Levi's name. He followed soon after, his grip on my hips tightening as he found his own release.

For a long moment, we stayed like that, bodies intertwined, breaths mingling as we came down from our high. Eventually, I rolled off him, curling into his side as he pulled the thin blanket over us.

Levi's arm wrapped around me, holding me close as if he was afraid I might disappear. I nestled my head against his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat.

"We should get some rest," Levi murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

I nodded, feeling the pull of exhaustion tugging at me. But even as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. In two weeks, everything could change. We could lose everything we'd fought so hard for.

But for now, in this moment, we had each other. And that was enough.

As sleep began to claim me, I felt Levi press a soft kiss to my forehead.