Shadows of Command-Erwin Smith

chapter-one

The wind carried the scent of earth and blood as it swept over the rolling plains beyond Wall Rose. The 54th expedition had ended two days ago, and the Survey Corps was back within the relative safety of the walls, though safety was always a fragile illusion. The remnants of the scouting party had trickled in, weary but alive, and the daily rhythm of life within the garrison had begun to reassert itself. However, a sense of unease still lingered, like the echo of a nightmare that refused to fade.

Reign stood by the stables, watching the horses being led back to their stalls. The creatures moved with a practiced grace, their flanks slick with sweat from the journey. The routine of caring for them was comforting in its familiarity—brushing down coats, checking hooves, ensuring they were well-fed. Yet, today, Reign found herself restless. The past few months in the Scouts had been grueling, filled with relentless training and missions that pushed the limits of endurance. But it was during these moments of relative quiet that the reality of her situation truly hit her.

She let out a slow breath, her gaze drifting to the group of young soldiers gathered near the supply shed. Jean Kirstein was at the center of it all, his expressive hands gesturing wildly as he recounted some tale of near-death. Connie Springer was there too, a grin plastered on his face as he hung on every word. Sasha Braus was doubled over in laughter, her shoulders shaking, while Reiner Braun stood slightly apart, his arms crossed, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched the others.

Reign felt a flicker of warmth in her chest as she observed them. These were the people she trusted, the friends who had stood by her through the worst of times. They had fought together, bled together, and somehow, they had all survived. It was a bond forged in the fires of battle, one that nothing could break.

"Hey, Reign! What are you doing over there all by yourself?" Jean called out, waving her over.

She pushed off the post she had been leaning against and walked toward them, her boots crunching on the gravel. "Just enjoying the view," she said, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Oh, the view, huh? Are you talking about the horses or us?" Connie teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Reign rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "You wish."

Sasha straightened up, still catching her breath from laughing. "Reign, you missed it. Jean was just telling us how he nearly got his head taken off by a Titan because he was too busy trying to look cool."

"I was not trying to look cool," Jean retorted, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I was—demonstrating tactical maneuvering."

Reiner chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Sure, Jean. Whatever you say."

Reign laughed along with the rest of them, the sound easing the tension that had been coiled in her chest since the expedition. For a moment, it was easy to forget the dangers that lurked just beyond the walls. Easy to pretend that they were just a group of young adults, enjoying the afternoon sun and each other's company.

The conversation flowed easily from there, shifting from teasing to more mundane topics—the taste of the rations they had to endure, the latest rumors about promotions, even a heated debate over which member of the regiment could eat the most bread in one sitting. It was a welcome distraction, and Reign found herself relaxing into the rhythm of their banter.

But even in the midst of their laughter, the reality of their situation was never far from their minds. They had all seen too much, lost too much, to ever truly escape it.

"What do you think they'll send us out again?" Reign asked after a while, her tone more serious now as she looked around at her friends.

The laughter died down, replaced by a thoughtful silence. Reiner was the first to speak, his expression sober. "It's hard to say. But you know how it is—they won't wait too long. Not when there's so much at stake."