The wind battered the cracked windows of the old castle. Inside, the air was thick with fatigue and the smell of iron.

Eren stared at his still-shaking hands while Mikasa watched him out of the corner of her eye. Armin silently reviewed maps, trying to hide the weight of his most recent defeat. And at the top of the stairs, his back straight and his expression impenetrable, Levi remained vigilant.

Suddenly, the echo of hooves and boots broke the atmosphere. The castle gates opened, revealing a group of scouts. Among them, a woman with dark hair tied back in a braid, an impeccable uniform, and a gaze that shone with determination walked forward.

"Tanaka Hikari, of the Survey Corps," one of the soldiers announced. "She has an urgent report for Commander Erwin."

The murmur of the squad died away as she took a step forward. Levi saw her. And although his face remained unchanged, a shadow crossed his gaze. She recognized him too.

Time compressed in an instant: memories of shared battles, silent nights after missions, and the broken promise that had separated them.

She held his gaze cold.

Eren, confused, leaned toward Armin. "Do you know each other?" "...I'd say so," Armin replied, sensing the tension in the air.

Erwin walked down the stairs with his usual calm, taking the envelope she held out. "Good work, Tanaka. You've made a long journey. Rest."

But rest was the last thing he could do. Levi's presence was like an open wound, reminding him of what he had lost. And he, though he tried to hide it behind his usual mask, couldn't ignore the fury and longing that consumed him.