Pluviophile | Levi Ackermann × Reader |

| Chapter 28 | Suspicions

My ears were ringing.

I couldn't breathe.

My legs and arms and everything went numb. My vision was blurry and it felt like I was seeing out of pin-holes.

I leaned against the wall, trying to ease myself. I was having a panic attack all while choking down the news. I was drowning. I was lost.

"Section Commander!" Harlin caught me when I slipped down the wall and fell forward. He held me, and I had barely enough energy to push him away.

"How..."

Harlin was quiet. "I think you should rest first before I say-"

"How did it happen...?" I croaked out, holding onto the door frame to keep myself steady.

"I... I spoke with the Commander already about what happened. He went with a few other's to retrieve the body for burial... But are you sure you can take it?"

I didn't look at him when I responded.
"Just tell me."

Harlin sat me down on my couch, pulling up a chair to sit in front of me.
"I was one of the soldiers who went with him to the castle... Seeing as I'm royalty, it would only make sense that I assisted in the journey."

Harlin took a breath. "Everything went smoothly at first..."

He then went more serious, eyes looking into mine. "That is... Until we were on our way back," He began. "We were stormed by a group of bandits, who were extremely adept in battle. I assume they must have come after me, because I was the only thing of value on that wagon..."

I didn't like the way he worded that.

"Xander was also with us, you've met him once before from what I recall..." Harlin had a sullen face. "He... Died."

"He was the first attacked. He didn't even have a chance to fight back before-" Harlin choked down a sob. "Before he was murdered."

I felt myself grow dizzy, but forced myself to stay concious to hear the rest of the story.

"The Captain saw what happened and immediately jumped into action... He managed to defeat a few bandits but- Ultimately he was outnumbered and taken by surprise... I'm sorry, I should have fought alongside him but I-I was too scared!" Harlin pleaded. "I fled as fast as I could, and I somehow escaped and made it here. It's a miracle that I'm alive with my injuries... I tried... I really did."

I slowly turned my head towards him. "Harlin..."

He looked at me.

"Please leave."

He only nodded, walking over to the door. "I'm... Sorry for your loss," He said, shutting the door.

I wasn't myself. Everything was hazy, my memories, my vision, my hearing, my heart. I couldn't feel anything. There were no tears, no cries.

Images of Levi began to dance in my mind, and I remembered his face... His voice... And his touch. He was beautiful in every way, and I would never be able to wash away the mark he left on me. There was a hole in my chest, carved out by the news.

I slid off the couch and fell to the floor, sobbing without tears. My face was dry. I was heartbroken and empty. The was a void inside me that would never be filled...

But after laying there for what seemed like hours, a thought invited itself into my head.

"Why... Didn't I have a dream about this?"
-

|Chapter 28|
Suspicions
-
I had been waiting outside for Erwin's return for hours. The sun was now rising, and I could see a wagon pulling into view. I rushed down and faced him. He stopped in his tracks, signaling his men to stop as well.