THE WILLOW AND THE DEVILS HEART | E.JAEGER

CHAPTER ONE

Hope you enjoy this first chapter! Comments and votes are always appreciated ❁
_____

The crisp air had Eren's breath creating a smokey fog around his body as the crunch of the ice below his feet took over the night. Slapping his hands together in search of heat, he let out a quick breath in his palms. Tilting his head up, he was met with the sight of the dim light of the tavern that cascaded through the small windows as he made his way to the overgrown trail.

From first glance the small pub didn't look like much. The wooden exterior was somewhat rotten, and the stone path that followed up to the door had been taken over by weeds and bottles left by the patrons. Small lanterns were scattered randomly around the front to light the trail, but the rusted metal and wax created a spotted design against the glassware, making it difficult when navigating the unkept path.

To his left, three small benches sat outside by a makeshift fire pit—Mostly covered in a green moss as fireflies danced along the budding flowers that grew along the land. Like always the outside life was quiet, with most of the entertainment echoing through from the inside. The tavern itself was a small building located right in the middle of the city—Available to anyone with enough coin to get themselves a cheap drink.

Like many of the Warrior soldiers, Eren found himself inside the lively bar from time to time—Finding it to be the perfect spot to let loose after a long day of patrolling. Tonight was no different as he stepped up to the door before pushing through the opening to make his way inside.

The bubbling atmosphere took him back for a second as he searched around the crowd carefully—In hopes of not catching any unwanted attention from drunkards passing by he kept his head low. His gaze passed along a few familiar faces, as well as strangers before they settled on a table in the back where a familiar blond and raven haired duo sat. Letting out a low breath he shifted his figure in their direction before taking off towards them.

The feeling of bodies knocking against him had his face pulling up in irritation as he tried to make his way through the drunken crowd. A series of congratulations caught his ear as he turned to give them a subtle thanks before continuing on his way. Walking up to the small booth he let out a low cough catching the pair's attention.

"It's about time you got here", The blond huffed in amusement. He pushed a full glass towards Eren before tugging at the buttoned shirt he currently wore with a hint of discomfort clouding his features.

The dark blue of the material, brought out the light in his eyes as he looked up at his friend with a pleased grin. His soft features were impossible to ignore, making most of the women in the town ogle his way. And although he had received many offers from men and women alike, he found himself alone most of the time. Believing that his studies of the Titan people and Garden lands was far more engaging than dinner dates with a local socialite.

Eren found his charming personality to be a waste considering how he preferred to spend his past time, but the blond chose to ignore the griping of his friends and family—Continuing to revel in his hobby.

Shifting to sit beside the girl, Eren took her in. Her dark eyes locked in on his figure as she slowly moved into the booth to give him space to fit. The red dress she wore clung to her figure with ease, as she brushed her hands against her chest, ironing out the small wrinkles that somehow formed along the material.

He took notice of her attire, feeling pleased that she had worn the gift he had purchased her just a few weeks ago. It had caught her eye one day when they took a trip to the market—She wasn't the type to spend her money on extravagant things, so Eren took the liberty of purchasing it for her as an early birthday gift. Looking her over once more he took in her sleek black hair that made her fair skin stand out amongst the crowd. She was breathtakingly beautiful, allowing most to push aside her rough personality.