You were a Marleyan—the very thing Eren Yeager loathed most in this cruel, indifferent world. And yet, despite all his hatred, despite the rage that burned inside him like an unquenchable fire, you were the one Marleyan he could never bring himself to despise.

No, Eren’s feelings toward you were something else entirely.

What he wanted—what he desired—was to keep you safe from this world, to shield you from the war-torn reality closing in from all sides. And maybe, just maybe, to make you his.

A sudden noise outside your window jolted you from your thoughts, sending a wave of panic rushing through your veins. Your heart pounded as you held your breath, ears straining to catch any further movement. The paranoia of living in such times never left you, always lingering at the back of your mind like a shadow waiting to consume you.

But when the curtains shifted, revealing a familiar face illuminated by the moonlight, your fear melted away.

Eren.

He grinned as he hoisted himself through the window, his movements fluid and effortless, as if he had done this a thousand times before. His piercing green eyes locked onto yours, mischief dancing in their depths.

“Did I scare you, doll?” he teased, the corner of his lips curling into that signature, cocky smirk.