Shadows of Truth and Deception (Levi • OC)

CHAPTER 31 - Tapestry

tapestry /ˈtapɪstri/ — used in reference to an intricate or complex sequence of events

     The crowded streets allowed Reinae to move unnoticed as she walked against the flow of people heading toward the inner gate. She avoided the streets where Franklin's men resided until she reached a small townhouse. She exhaled in relief when she saw light filtering through the windows.

     She knocked lightly, enough to cause movement inside the house. She listened to the approaching footsteps and couldn't help but smile when it opened to a familiar face.

     "Rei?" he sighed in slight disbelief before a wide smile spread across his face.

     "Hey, Theo," she replied, matching his smile. "Long time no see."

     He quickly stepped aside to let her in, carefully locking the door behind her.

     "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked, studying her appearance—probably searching for any bleeding wounds.

     "Unfortunately, I doubt it will be a pleasure." Reinae removed her cloak before facing him with a serious expression. "I need your help."

     Theo furrowed his brows but nodded, gesturing towards the small kitchen. Reinae sat by the round table while he rummaged through the cupboards.

     "Tea?" he asked, glancing at her. When she raised an eyebrow, he chuckled and pulled out a bottle of whiskey instead. He poured them each a glass and took a seat opposite her. "So, tell me," he started. "What mess did you get yourself into?"

     She refrained from rolling her eyes. "None, yet." She took a sip. "How much do you know about the recent events?"

     Theo thought for a moment. "Besides the fight in Stohess, not much. Our city's forces weren't called upon to assist."

     "Right." Reinae took another sip. "You're aware that there are titan-shifters in the military, right?"

     "I've heard of that," he said grimly.

     "Well, one of them is in the Corps. He's the one who fought the Female Titan in Stohess. The Female Titan is actually a girl named Annie Leonhart, who joined the Military Police this year. We received her background check an hour ago, and it points to two other boys from the 104th Training Corps to be in league with her and are likely the Colossal and Armored Titans."

     Theo's eyes widened. "Damn," he exhaled. "That's a lot of titan-shifting kids."

     Reinae scoffed a laugh. "They are the least of my problems right now." She took another sip of her drink. "During the fight in Stohess, the wall had been damaged. And there are titans inside."

     Theo almost spat out the sip he had just taken. He wiped his mouth, staring at Reinae with a mix of disbelief and dread.

     "Tell me you're joking," he whispered.

     She smiled grimly. "Unfortunately not. And the church knew about it but kept it a secret."

     Theo buried his hands in his curly brown hair, trying to absorb the gravity of the situation. Reinae leaned forward on the table.

     "That's not the worst of it," she said quietly, and his eyes snapped to hers. "I interrogated one of the priests, and I think... I think someone is controlling the church. He seemed more afraid of something—someone—than his own death. And I think- "

     "You think it's Franklin," he concluded, his eyes darkening. Reinae nodded.

     "The priest also told me that there is a girl with royal blood in the Scouting Corps hiding behind a false identity. I think the current king is a puppet, placed in power to be controlled, and isn't legitimate."