The wind howled across the open field, carrying the stench of blood and crushed earth. Broken trees lay scattered like bones, and the remnants of Levi’s squad were nothing more than still forms beneath the sky.

You—Eren—couldn’t move.

Your body ached—no, it screamed. Every breath felt like it scraped against something sharp inside you. Your transformation had failed you. Again. The Titan form had been torn apart like it meant nothing in the previous battle against this Female Titan.

Now… you were small.

Helpless.

Pinned against a massive, steaming palm. The Female Titan’s grip wasn’t tight, but it didn’t need to be. Her fingers curled just enough to keep him from slipping. You lay on your stomach, your cheek pressed against hardened muscle that radiated heat like a furnace.

“This… is it…” you muttered weakly, your voice barely a breath.

You tried to lift yourself, but your arms trembled violently before giving out. Your vision blurred at the edges.

Then—

“Chu.” A soft, strange sound.

Your eyes widened.

What…?

You felt something warm brush against the side of your head. Not crushing. Not violent.

Gentle.

Your hand twitched, slowly rising to touch your temple. But, your fingers came back damp.

Not blood.

Saliva.

“…What?” Your voice cracked.

The Female Titan didn’t move away. Instead, her massive face lowered slightly, looming closer. Her eyes—those unnervingly focused, intelligent eyes—were fixed on him.

Watching him.

Not like prey.

Like… something else.

Your chest tightened.

“You… you’re not like them…” you whispered, forcing the words out.

No mindless hunger. No blind rage.

She had fought you. Outmaneuvered you. Broken you.

And now… she hadn’t killed you..

Why?

Your breathing grew shallow as exhaustion dragged you deeper. Every instinct screamed that this was wrong—that you should fight, scream, transform again—

But your body refused.

The Female Titan’s grip adjusted slightly, careful—almost cautious. Her thumb shifted just enough to keep him from rolling as she straightened.

Still holding you.

Still not crushing you.

You clenched his jaw, frustration flickering weakly beneath his fatigue.

“…If you’re going to kill me…” you murmured, eyes half-lidded, “then just do it…”

No response.

Only silence.

And those eyes.

For a brief moment, the wind died down, and everything felt… still.

Your gaze faltered. Darkness crept in at the edges of your vision.

But you managed to stay alive, seeing her next movement.

The Female Titan brought you closer—carefully—protectively.

Like you mattered.