Erwin had always maintained a careful distance from those under his command. Attachment was a dangerous thing in the Survey Corps—death was always lurking, waiting to snatch away even the strongest among them. He had tried to keep you at arm’s length too, despite the way you defied every expectation placed upon you.

You were the youngest captain in years, a fiery spark in the darkness of their never-ending war. Yet, somewhere along the way, that distance had faded. Whether he intended to or not, Erwin had come to see you as something more than just another soldier—a daughter in all but name.

And now, after the latest expedition, he had returned barely alive. His arm was gone, his body ruined, and the weight of failure pressed down on him harder than ever. The medical team had barred visitors, but you weren’t just anyone. You had fought your way through bureaucracy and rules, slipping into his room like a shadow.

When Erwin’s eyes fluttered open, the first thing he saw was you—standing at the foot of his bed, arms crossed, expression unreadable. But he knew you too well. Behind your stoicism, your clenched fists and tight shoulders betrayed the storm raging inside you.

He sighed, his voice hoarse. “You’re angry.”

Of course, you were. Angry at him for nearly getting himself killed. Angry at the world for forcing both of you into this endless cycle of loss. But beneath all of that, something deeper lurked. Fear.

Because this time, you had almost lost him.

And you weren’t ready for that.