Prologue

Chapter One: Echoes of Paradise. 🍆

Chapter Two: Part one-Touch Like Ruin 🍆

Chapter Two: Part Two-Visions and Shadows🍆

Chapter Three: The Man in the Chair

Chapter Four: Slip of the Tongue🍆

Chapter Five: Enemies in the Room

Chapter Six: Midnight Ride 🍆

Chapter Seven: The Inheritors Sentence

Chapter Eight: Ad Finem Tecum

Chapter Nine : The Biggest in the Survey Corps🍆

Chapter Nine: Part Two-The Biggest in the Survey Corps🍆

Chapter Ten: Open for Interpretation 🍆

Chapter Eleven: Lost Research

Chapter Twelve: Ledgers and Lanterns

Chapter Thirteen: The Calm Before the Blade

Chapter Fourteen: The Gala Trap

Chapter Fifteen: Found in Apple Seeds

Chapter Sixteen: Caged Bird 🍆

Chapter Seventeen: Seven Days is Enough

Chapter eighteen: Here Comes Levi in a Baby Carriage

Chapter Eighteen: Part Two-Little Troup

Chapter Nineteen: Not Without My Permission

Chapter Twenty: Good Job, My Sweet Girl

Chapter Twenty-One: The Note

Chapter Twenty-Two: A Calm Place

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Cards Don’t Lie

Chapter Twenty-Five: Six Long Weeks 🍆

Chapter Twenty-Six: Everything Clicked

Chapter Twenty-Seven Part One: No Matter What 🍆

Chapter Twenty-Seven Part Two: You Reap What You Sow

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Signal in the Static

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Bruises and Discipline🍆

Chapter Thirty: A Coordinated Attack

Chapter Thirty-One: Could Have Been Me

Chapter Thirty-Two: Watch Me

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Land Of The Rising Sun

Even worse, if they did reach their thirteen year mark with no resolution, they would have two more inheritors to search for, giving this newly discovered secret society more time to hunt and kill the inheritors. The alternative was to pass the titan power on—restarting the vicious cycle.

Y/n huffed.

She knew the people in the secret society they uncovered during the search for McCarty’s research would eventually find a way around the inheritors powers that were protecting them—everyone has a weakness. She couldn’t deny that their powers were strong—Troup had caused her attacker to have an aneurism and he hadn’t even been born yet.

But she couldn’t rely on their titan powers alone to protect them—no one was invincible. Eren had taught them that. They needed to stop the organization altogether.

To completely squander it.

As her thoughts hung on Eren her heart ached and stung in her chest.

She wondered what he knew towards the end that he was keeping to himself. She wondered if he had to die in order for them to be able to accomplish what they were orchestrating now. For her child to be born.

She supposed she was just trying to see Eren in a different light—create a story in her mind that didn’t paint him as a villain.

She remembered the immediate aftermath of the rumbling. The putrid smell of burning rubble and flesh that hung over Marley for years. She remembered how hard Levi had taken the loss of their child—he had dove into work, hardly ever sleeping.

After healing, so did she.

She was thankful for her thoughts to be interrupted by the squeaking spring of the screen door, and its gentle pop as it swung shut. Levi stepped out—shirtless—holding Troup against his chest, who was wriggling in his arms—enjoying skin-to-skin time—a soft blanket slung over them.

She looked over and nodded.

“Good morning…”

He gave her a half smile.

“And to you.”

“We have to go to the Brauns today. I need to speak to Gabi and Falco.”

He paused. Then nodded.

“Mmm. I’ll pack a bag, our ODM gear, and Troup’s carrier…”

His gaze shifted toward the old truck sitting crooked in the grass.

“Horse’ll be more reliable than that thing.”

“Not faster,” she pointed out.

“Can’t go eighty through a forest full of trees,” he replied dryly. “And a horse doesn’t overheat…or break down.”

She nodded, smiling at her husband who was hopelessly stuck in the past. “Horseback it is.”

He crossed over and lowered himself into the chair beside her, studying her face more closely now.

Troup squirmed softly against him, letting out a quiet huff. Levi adjusted his hold, gently rubbing his back until the baby settled again. His free hand reached out, fingers threading through hers and tightening, grounding her.

“Whatever’s running through that head of yours—drop it.”

She looked at him, then exhaled softly. His face was gentle, but she could see the worry underneath.

“Alright… alright.”

He wasn’t wrong.

She was exhausting herself—living in the past, and fearing what could happen in the future. They sat in silence for a while longer, she held onto his hand, allowing it to comfort her, quiet settled around them instead of pressing in on them.

She enjoyed the sound of the cicadas. Of Levi’s breathing. Of Troup’s gentle grunts and coo’s.

Then Levi leaned in, bringing her to the present as he pressed a soft kiss just behind her ear before standing and turning inside to get ready for the trip.

Armin

Every morning, just before waking, Armin dreamt of Annie.

And every morning, he woke with the same quiet disorientation, with her touch still lingering, phantom-like, against his chest.

He inhaled sharply, pushing himself upright. For a moment, he just sat there, hands covering his face, trying to steady his breathing. His thoughts felt tangled like threads pulled too tight, they were impossible to separate.

Slowly, he dragged his hands down, blinking until the room came into focus.

The royal quarters in Stohess were… excessive. Spacious, polished and just almost suffocating in their perfection.

A room fit for a king.

Armin swallowed.

He didn’t feel like one.

He felt… uncertain and messy. Like he was standing on the edge of something he didn’t fully understand.

Historia had been close to panic when he and Connie arrived. The reports around the capital alone were enough—attacks increasing, and they were not just random; this organization they discovered was deliberately targeting pregnant women, desperately hoping to kill inheritors. They hadn't figured out about the titan fragments passing through the bloodlines of the original nine, and everyone was paying for it now.

So much unnecessary death.

It wasn’t just fear spreading through the people—it was doubt.

Doubt in Historias ability to rule her subjects.

And then there was Aruel.

Armin’s jaw tightened slightly at the thought of him.

Legal pressure, public manipulation, attempts to strip her of custody even though he had all but abandoned the children. To make matters worse he was attempting to strip her of her power—of everything she had fought hard to protect.

“I created this system to hold royalty and government accountable…”

Her voice from the night before echoed in his mind. It was thin, and exhausted.

“I can only blame myself.”

He had watched her helplessly, standing by the fire with a glass in her hand that she didn’t even seem to taste.

“I’m terrified, Armin…”

She hadn’t looked at him when she said it.

“I think he’ll have me killed… and take everything. If something happens to me...y/n will have to step up and take her place...at least until Anwen can come of age.”

Armin exhaled slowly, her words haunted him even now in the light of day.

He had told her that wouldn't happen. Held her while she cried. Told her what she needed to hear. Promised her what he wanted to believe.

But promises didn’t make him certain.

And certainty was what she needed.

She needed someone beside her, ruling with her. It was just the way the world was: the people wanted a strong male figure next to her.

Someone steady, who could help carry all of this.

He didn’t blame y/n for refusing the crown. Not really. She would have made for a strong and powerful ruler, and with Levi she would have been absolutely unstoppable. But it’s not the life she yearned for.

Armin didn’t blame Levi either. For forcing Historia into the roll. At the time, there hadn’t been another option.

Eldia had needed a ruler.

And y/n hadn’t even been discovered as one of Rod Reiss's illegitimate children until after Wall Maria, the documents in Grisha's basement had laid out the bloodlines of Royalty. She was the eldest--the first heir to the throne.

…Still.

Armin closed his eyes briefly, exhaling through his nose.

There were things he could blame.

Himself, for one.

For crossing a line he had no right to cross the night before. For kissing Historia.

And for not stopping there.

“…reckless,” he murmured under his breath; the word was almost lost in the quiet. He let himself fall back against the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Would Annie have wanted him to move on? The thought came gently—but the answer came to him immediately.

No.

A faint, almost humorless breath left him.

She would’ve been furious, probably killed him.

But Annie was gone. His chest tightened.

He didn’t have much time left. Less than two years. That reality sat heavier than anything else. It wasn’t fair to Historia. He knew what it felt like to lose someone like that—to watch time run out while there was still so much left unsaid.

And yet…he wasn’t able to stop himself wanting her.

His thoughts caught up to him.

There has to be a way.

Eren wouldn’t have fought this hard to reach y/n in visions and dreams… not unless there was something left to reach.

There was a chance, even if it was a small one.

Armin’s fingers curled slightly against the sheets. It was a thin hope, but it was still hope. And that had always been enough for him. He exhaled, pushing himself upright again. No more lingering.

The bedside clock read 8:00 a.m.

Late.

He dressed quickly, his movements were automatic, and his mind was already turning over what would come next.

Historia.

Aruel.

The divorce papers.

The consequences of last night…

His hand paused briefly at his collar as he dressed.

How was he supposed to face her? Like nothing had happened, when he had taken her in the most intimate way the night before. He remembered the way she moaned…and how her golden hair fell around his face as she leaned down to kiss him, moving on top of him….

He sighed, trying to regain control of himself.

Did she want to? Be with him? Were they even thinking clearly? Or just reacting to grief, pressure, and loneliness—

You’re spiraling.

He closed his eyes briefly, steadying himself.

Focus.

Y/n’s vision of Anna and the mission. That came first.

It had to.

But not just yet.

Not this morning.

This morning, Historia needed him.

And that mattered too.

When Armin entered the meeting room, he did so quietly.

Historia was already there, reading the paper with concern over a hot cup of coffee. She always faced things head-on—even when they terrified her. He had always admired that, because it was a quality he found important in himself.

The children were gone. That alone told him everything; she didn’t want them knowing Aruel would be here.

“Hey,” he said gently.

Her reaction was immediate—too quick, too bright. A smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, a faint flush in her cheeks as she looked up at him.

“…hey.”

Armin hesitated, then stepped closer.

“The kids…?”

“They’re in the village for the day,” she said, fingers fidgeting slightly. “I thought it would be better… for now.”

He nodded.

There was a pause, long and heavy.

“About last night—” he started carefully.

She shook her head almost instantly, standing.

“Don’t. Please.”

Her voice was steady—but only just.

“It’s okay. We were… overwhelmed. I was alone and scared, and you—” she faltered slightly, then pushed through it, “—we just… went too far. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

Armin studied her. She didn't mean that—not at all.

Her words meant nothing. Not in comparison to her expression and body; it was telling him a completely different story as her chest rose and fell visibly, her eyes searched his—as if they were begging for something more.

He stepped closer, slower this time.

“Is that really what you want?” he asked quietly. “For it not to mean anything?”

Her breath caught deep in her throat, and she swallowed hard as she met his eyes. The tension was heavy between them.

"…no,” she admitted, barely above a whisper.

Then, softer—

“But I can’t lose anyone else.”

That hit harder than anything else she could have said. Armin nodded once, understanding.

“I won’t let it come to that,” he said, and there was something firmer in his voice now. “We’ll find a way to break the curse.”

He brushed her cheek, she softened under his touch.

“I’ll find a way.”

He held her gaze.

“…will you wait for me?”

Her answer came immediately.

“Yes.”

This time, her smile was real. A sharp, electric warmth startled inside of him as she looked at him. He felt alive.

His heart stuttered in his chest, God he wanted to kiss her…

And then—

The doorknob turned.

Armin stepped back immediately, the moment snapping like it had never existed.

“Your Grace,” the guard announced. “He’s arrived.”

Armin glanced at Historia, giving a small nod.

“I’m right here.”

She nodded back.

The doors opened again a few minutes later.

Guards filled the room first—efficient, and controlled, they filled every corner of the room. Armin shifted without thinking, placing himself between Historia and the entrance.

Then Aruel entered.

Confident and smug, like he already believed he had won. His eyes landed on Armin, and he scoffed. Armin wanted to wipe that look clean off of his face.

“Back again,” he drawled. “Protecting the princess’s sister this time? Does Levi always keep you this close to the Reiss bastards, or are you just his favorite guard dog?”

Armin didn’t react.

Not outwardly. Provocation like this was predictable. And predictable things were easy to manage. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, offering a small, almost polite smile.

“How’s your head?” he asked. “Last time I saw you it was cracked open.”

Aruel’s expression soured instantly, likely remembering how Armin slammed him into the wall the night of the gala when he had lurched at y/n.

Good.

“The papers are on the table,” Armin said calmly, holding his gaze. “Do what you came here to do. Sign them.”

He paused, boring holes into Aruel with his gaze.

“And when you’re done…”

His tone didn’t rise, but it didn’t leave room for misunderstanding, either.

“…don’t ever come back.”

Aruel glared at him coldly, then turned and picked up the pen resting neatly atop the papers. The notary flipped through each page, calmly explaining how the divorce proceedings would unfold. When Aruel reached the page relinquishing his rights to the children, he hesitated.

Armin was stunned that he hesitated at all.

Not after what Historia had told him the night before—how many times Aruel had threatened to kill the children just to control her, how she had taken beatings to keep him from laying a hand on them.

Then Aruel rolled up his sleeve.

Armin’s eyes narrowed.

There, just above his wrist, was a marking. A tattoo.

Holy shit.

There it was.

What he had been searching for all along.

The meaning behind Y/N’s vision.

Tattooed on the inside of Aruel’s wrist was an eye enclosed within a circle.

And suddenly, everything clicked.

Levi

The ride through the woods was gentle.

Y/n sat on the horse, cradling Troup, with Levi behind her holding the reins. Having her there—between his arms, the baby nursing quietly against her chest—felt…right.

He found himself listening to the rhythm of the forest. Her soft humming. The faint, steady sound of Troup suckling.

It settled something deep in his tired mind.

His chest felt light; for once, he wasn't waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Levi kept the reins steady, his arms framing her naturally—she belonged there. She always had. When she leaned back into him with the motion of the horse, settling without hesitation, something in his chest eased at the weight of her against him. He loved the way she trusted him.

Only him.

He adjusted his grip subtly, ensuring she stayed secure. Before long, the trees began to thin. The forest opened, and the outskirts of the village came into view. Another mile, and the Braus' farm appeared in the distance.

Golden grass stretched endlessly, swaying softly in the breeze. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney of a low, weathered house, its wooden frame worn smooth by years of sun and rain. Fences lined the property, aged and sturdy, enclosing grazing land where a few animals moved slowly through the field. The scent reached his nose pleasantly.

Earth, hay woodsmoke and livestock.

It felt like home. If he’d ever had one…this is what he imagined it would feel like. It wasn’t grand, and it wasn’t polished. But it settled him inside.

He could tell Y/n didn’t share the same feeling upon arrival.

She unlatched Troup, who immediately began to fuss, his small face scrunching as he cried. Y/n’s entire body tensed.

“You alright?” Levi asked, trying to study her expression—difficult with her facing forward in the saddle still. But the way she bounced Troup, just a little too urgently, told him everything.

“Haven’t been here since…” she trailed off. “Since the day before the battle of Port Paradis. Historia and I…we didn’t leave on good terms from this place.”

He nodded. She never gave him all the details—but she didn’t need to. She had been pregnant. In hiding after the Yeagerists had taken over, and the rumbling had begun. She could have lain low here and been safe. Then helped Historia take back her throne. And still, she chose to go. Because she couldn’t sit back and let the people she loved die.

So she left. And paid for it with the life of their unborn child.

Levi had always blamed it on Eren. Easy. If he hadn't started the rumbling, it never would have happened. She would have been left with more options.

But he knew she blamed herself.

Still…without her, they never would’ve secured the plane or the aircraft carrier. They would’ve likely died at the port. He reached forward, gently squeezing her thigh.

“You need to stop punishing yourself for that,” he said, voice low and even. “None of it was your fault.”

She exhaled, heavily.

“I keep thinking…” she murmured, eyes fixed ahead. “If I had just listened to Historia…maybe Troup would’ve been a second child…”

Levi’s jaw tightened.

“We all would’ve died at the port, myself included,” he said firmly. "He wouldn’t exist. Stop doing this to yourself.”

She didn’t respond—just sighed again as Troup squirmed in her arms, unsettled.

“…Let’s just go greet everyone,” she said softly.

Levi dismounted first, securing the reins before reaching up to take Troup from her. Then he offered his hand, steady as always, helping her down. A large figure stepped out from the farmhouse.

It was Artur Braus. Levi hadn't seen him since Sasha's funeral.

“Well, look at the Ackermans…” Artur called warmly. “Three of you, now!”

Levi stepped forward, offering his hand. Artur took it firmly.

“Still no smile out of you, huh?” he teased.

Levi smirked faintly. “Not often.”

Artur turned to Y/n, immediately pulling her into a hug.

“How could I forget the tenacious Y/n Ackerman?”

She held onto him a moment longer than expected before stepping back.

“Where’s Mrs. Braus? And Kaya?”

“They went into town,” Artur replied. “Wanted to stock up for the week. Probably picking up games too—we all remember who dominates at cards," he nudged her with his elbow.

Y/n let out a small laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing.

“And who’s this?” Artur nodded toward the baby.

Levi adjusted the blanket slightly, giving him a better view.

“This…” he said quietly, “…is Troup Farlan Ackerman.”

Artur smiled. Something in his expression shifted and softened, but Levi could tell by the look on his face that his heart was heavy.

“I’ll be…” he murmured. “Handsome little thing.”

He stepped closer, hands out.

“May I?”

Levi didn’t hesitate. He carefully passed Troup into his arms. Artur cradled him gently, his large hands impossibly careful.

“Wow…” he whispered. “I forgot what this felt like.”

Levi’s chest tightened. He knew exactly who Artur was thinking about. His only biological daughter. Sahsa. And the kind of grief that never really leaves.

“Come on in,” Artur said after a moment, still smiling down at the baby. “Got a room ready for you.”

Inside, the house was just as Levi remembered. Warm and lived in. He hadn't been there since her funeral, but Sasha was everywhere. In the photos on the walls, in her items that were placed throughout the house, forming a sort of shrine in her honor.

“Coffee or tea?” Artur asked.

“Tea,” Levi answered.

Y/n was already moving. Levi scoffed to himself.

She just never stops.

“Mr. Braus…may I use your phone?” she inquired.

“Of course,” Artur said gently. “Study’s down the hall to the right.”

Levi took Troup back into his arms, settling him against his chest as Artur pulled out a kettle and lit the gas stove. They settled into quiet conversation. His gaze followed Y/n as she took off down the hallway without another word, on the hunt for the phone.

Y/n

When she reached the study at the end of the hallway, she quietly closed the door behind herself. She made her way over to the rotary phone on the desk. It would be a long-distance call, definitely not with enough strength, as the phones in Stohess, she would have to leave some cash with the Braus' for the long-distance charge.

She picked up the phone. It rang for a moment, cutting in and out.

"C'mon, please, fuck." she muttered under her breath.

The line picked up.

"Operator... Marley—Liberio District—Maypol Ave." She said hastily.

"Connecting," came the operators voice.

She waited as it rang.

"Pick up...Pick up Gabi."

The line clicked, she held her breath.

"Grice residence?"

It was Gabi.

"Gabi, it's me!" she breathed into the reciever.

"Y/n?! OH my GOD!" her voice was shrill and fast. "How DARE you not call me sooner? Where are you? Did you find any more inheritors? Did you deliver the—"

"Gabi! Say NOTHING else!" y/n cut in hastily.

"My line is secure, but I can't guarantee your line hasn't been compromised."

There was a pause.

"Gabi...are you there?" y/n almost whispered into the receiver.

"Yes..." she said plainly. Y/n could tell she was scolding herself on the other end of the line.

She had to be punctual and fast, knowing someone was likely listening.

“Let's keep this simple...You remember how we practiced, I'm sure?"

You know exactly how I taught you...

A brief pause.

"I understand," said Gabi. She caught on quickly—it wasn't safe to speak plainly.

“I need you to check the weather out east."

Get to Port Paradis.

She could hear Gabi scrawling on a sheet of paper.

"It’s shifting fast—you’ll want to leave tomorrow if you plan on arriving by market day.”

Things are changing fast here, so arrange your departure immediately.

Gabi continued scrawling, then paused—waiting on the date.

Y/n glanced at the calendar, double-checking that she was right.

"Two hours from now, I’ll have someone waiting at the docks with fresh supplies.”

Two days from now, I'll arrange for someone to pick you up from there.

Her tone lowered, more deliberate.

“And don’t forget your good friend, the Mandible-bird, he needs those supplies."

Falco comes with you, no exceptions.

A breath.

“I promise I'll explain everything in greater detail soon...”

Gabi sighed into the receiver.

"Clear skies on my end here—I'll make those arrangements to pick up the supplies quickly for you..."

Gabi will come with Falco. Two days. Port Paradis.

"Good to hear. Leave Lemrick in charge of your nest while you pick up... He's been known to feed the hatchlings. But don't share with anyone about those supplies...They're carefully packed, after all."

Leave Lemrick in charge of the CPA, don't tell anyone else that you're coming, it's too dangerous.

There was a pause.

"Alright. Can't wait to unbox those items..." she said in a confident voice.

Y/n smiled slightly.

I can't wait to see you, either.

"I love you. Be safe. Do as I say, exactly as I say." y/n finished.

Gabi paused. "I love you too..." she whispered.

The line clicked, and a dial tone ensued. Y/n put the phone back on the receiver with a sigh.

Thank God I taught that girl some code...

She swiveled slowly in the chair, her heart leaping in her chest.

In just two days… she would hug Gabi in her arms again.

The thought alone made her chest ache. She loved her like a sibling. She thought of Annastasia and Historia. Her heart cracked deeper down the middle.

She quickly shook the thought.

She reached for the phone again without hesitation, dialing the Scouts’ headquarters—asking the operator for Jean's direct line. It was answered quickly. Although Jean could tell her by her voice, he didn't want to give her away.

“Go ahead, let's keep this simple..." He said, already guarded.

They spoke only in code.

He relayed that Mikasa, using McCarty’s research, had identified two more inheritors—the Cart and the Beast. Both were infants. Both already showing signs. They were being transported to headquarters under protection until a safer location could be secured. Jean’s tone shifted slightly as he continued—he needed her there. To confirm.

They were almost certain… but almost wasn’t enough for him.

She agreed, but told him Levi would take some convincing.

Then, just as quickly, she made her own demand—

He was to be at Port Paradis in two days, with a full Scout detail, ready to receive Gabi and Falco Grice.

No delays. No excuses.

Jean didn’t argue.

The line went dead. Y/n sighed outwardly, trying to breathe out the stress.

Only two left.

The Female.

The Attack.

"I'm trying Eren..." she murmured to herself, "Really trying my ass off here to do what you said." She leaned back in the swivel chair, chin towards the ceiling as she spoke softly to the nothingness, hoping somewhere out there he could hear her.

"Better not let me down this time..."

The rest of the evening at the Braus farm passed quietly.

Peacefully.

Kaya and Mrs. Braus returned not long after the call, arms full of supplies and laughter that filled the house with a warm spirit. Cards were brought out, wine poured freely, and for a few hours, the weight of everything lifted just enough for them to breathe.

They spoke of Sasha often—favorite memories, old stories, the kind that made you laugh and ache at the same time. Y/n recalled covering for her after she stole meat from the officer's pantry and the time she bit Connie in the mess hall.

Troup thrived in the liveliness.

Unlike his father, he adored attention—passing easily from arm to arm, offering gummy smiles to whoever held him. Mr. and Mrs. Braus bickered playfully over whose turn it was to hold him next--Artur refused to hand him over at one point, claiming "He felt like a proud grandpa."

For a moment… everything felt normal. Something Levi and y/n were strangers to.

The next afternoon, the weather was soft and forgiving.

Levi worked outside with Artur, repairing fence posts beneath the afternoon sun, while Y/n and Kaya tended to the garden. Dirt clung beneath Y/n’s nails as she dug up carrots and potatoes; the rhythm of her work was grounding in a way she hadn’t expected.

Troup rested nearby in a shaded bassinet, content and quiet after his afternoon feeding.

Y/n didn’t speak of Gabi's impending arrival.

Not out of secrecy—but out of respect.

The Braus family had forgiven… but forgiveness didn’t erase grief. And Y/n wouldn’t reopen that wound unless she had to. So she kept that piece of excitement to herself.

The sun began its slow descent, painting the fields gold.

Kaya lifted another basket of potatoes, turning toward the house—

And paused.

Y/n followed her gaze.

A figure was approaching from the distance.

Fast.

A lone rider.

The horse tore across the field, cutting through the tall grass without slowing. Levi noticed next, positioning himself between the approaching rider and his wife and child. She noticed him pulling something from the back waistband of his denim jeans.

A handgun.

Artur stood beside him.

"Go inside." Levi barked. Y/n didn't move, she tried to make out the figure.

"Now." he snapped. She began to move, but then noticed...

"It's a scout!" she said, picking Troup up, and holding him to her chest.

"Doesn't matter, do what I say." Levi quipped back.

By the time the rider reached the edge of the property, the horse was lathered in sweat, breath heaving. The figure barely waited for it to stop before swinging down. Levi rushed over. Y/n and Kaya watched from the doorway.

"It's Armin," she breathed, handing the baby to Kaya and running outside.

He looked wrecked.

Dust clung to his clothes, his hair disheveled, chest rising and falling like he hadn’t stopped for air in miles. She arrived at the edge of the fence on the property line, shoulder to shoulder with Levi.

“What happened?”

Armin didn’t answer immediately. His eyes found Y/n first. Something close to fear was buried beneath his expression.

“I found him,” he said.

A beat passed as he caught his breath.

“The Mystery Man..."

Silence fell heavily over them. Armin looked deranged as he met her gaze with sharp blue eyes.

“…It’s Aruel.”