The earth around Eren stilled as his concentration broke. He opened his eyes and turned toward them, the last of the stone formations crumbling gently back into sand. His expression was calm and composed, showing no surprise at being discovered.
"Eren, you... like?" Lyra stammered, the words tumbling out in shock before she could compose a coherent thought.
A smile spread across Eren's face—not the shy, hesitant smile they remembered, but one of quiet confidence. It transformed his features, softening the sharp edges that had formed during their years apart.
"We should walk," he said, his voice low and measured. "There's much to discuss, and these walls have too many ears." He gestured toward an archway set into the far wall of the training chamber, different from the one they had entered through.
