↳ Mara's parents were born in Marley, but Mara was born within the walls. She knew a lot of things about the world beyond the walls, one of them being that Titan Shifters were at fault for the fall of Wall Maria. The cause of so many deaths, includi...
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Chapter twenty nine: Tea at three am
Mara's pov:
The hallways and corridors of the Scouting Legion's headquarters were cold and dark.
The candle in my hands cast shadows around me that danced like monsters with every step I took through the mess hall.
My mind told me that I needed to fear the shadows and the things that lurked within them, but I refused to listen. Instead, I continued walking – it felt like I was watching my body move from above. I could see how puffy and red my eyes were from crying, how fragile I looked as I walked through the dark mess hall like a ghost. My hair was tangled and still damp from my shower earlier and I hadn't been bothered to find anything else to wear so I'd just stayed in my uniform.
I made my way towards the kitchens, seeking a hot cup of tea, or something that could soothe my aching bones and quieten my wild thoughts.
I didn't notice the dim light coming from under the kitchen door until I was gently pushing it open. My gaze remained on the ground as I stepped inside, but it slowly rose as I recognised that the light was not from my own candle.
Soon, my eyes met those of Captain Levi.
I froze mid step. I knew walking around headquarters past curfew was punishable by ten days of cleaning out the stables, but I had chosen to take the risk anyway. After all, it was three in the morning and I had thought no one else would even be awake.
But here I was, frozen in the kitchen doorway staring at Captain Levi at three in the morning.
Although, as the original shock began to wear off, I began to realise that Captain Levi probably wasn't the kind of superior to punish a recruit for seeking a solution to lack of sleep.
I had noticed the bags under his eyes, and the fact that he constantly seemed tired. It wouldn't surprise me if he had insomnia, in fact, that was the most likely reason for his constant tiredness.
So, I began to relax again.
"Good morning, Captain." I whispered, deciding that in the unlikely event that he did decide to punish me, I would at least make myself some tea now and deal with the consequences later.
The Captain didn't say anything, just watched from where he leaned against the counter with a cup of mostly drank black tea as I entered the kitchen. I made my way to the, thankfully, still hot jug of water and poured some into a clean cup, dipping a tea bag in and letting it rest.
I glanced at Captain Levi, seeing that his cup was now empty.
"Would you like a refill, Captain?" I offered, extending a hand to accept his cup when he nodded. I took his cup and filled it back up, letting the tea bag drop into it.
