Glass Heart Syndrome

Chapter 49

The clamor of the streets was relentless, like a heartbeat pulsing through the city, each whisper a dagger aimed at Eren's control. Every word of rebellion carried weight, feeding the momentum of the uprising. It seemed as if every shadow had joined the call for revolution, making even the quietest corner of Ezura feel hostile.

Eren moved quickly, summoning his core supporters to the hidden chambers beneath the city. Alaric, Renna, and several others gathered in silence, tension etched into their expressions. The whispers of the so-called Son of Shadows had grown, casting a shadow over every one of them.

Eren began without preamble, his tone as sharp as the threat looming over them. "This Son of Shadows wants to turn Ezura against us. Let's see just how loyal he thinks his followers are."

---

Alaric grinned, a fierce glint in his eyes. "Want me to send a little message to his supporters? Break a few legs in the dark?"

Eren shook his head. "Violence will only validate their cause. We need something... quieter." He glanced at Renna, who watched him with guarded eyes. "They want to follow a ghost? Then let's show them how quickly their own can disappear."

A subtle nod passed through the group as they began to grasp his plan. They would root out the most vocal supporters, those fanning the flames of rebellion, and turn them into phantoms, ensuring that those who dared to challenge him felt the silent fear of Ezura's shadows. Rumors would take care of the rest.

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Renna moved through the alleys that night, her footsteps soft, her form cloaked in darkness. The slums were ripe with conspirators, figures huddled close, exchanging whispers and promises of the Son of Shadows' return.

A soft voice caught her ear. "They say he's the rightful heir, that Eren stole his birthright," a young man murmured to his companion, glancing over his shoulder nervously.

Renna closed in, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade, her voice soft yet commanding. "If you truly believe that, you're as foolish as you are naive."

They turned, startled, but before either could speak, Renna's blade was already pressed against the young man's throat, her gaze icy. "If you want to live, I suggest you tell your 'heir' to reconsider his plans."

The man nodded, fear contorting his features. Satisfied, she disappeared back into the night, leaving only silence in her wake. The message was delivered, a warning that the rebellion was already under watch, even before it began.

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Two nights later, an emissary from the Son of Shadows arrived at Eren's stronghold under the guise of a weary traveler. He bore a single token—a darkened coin engraved with the sigil of the fallen Azrael.

Eren received him in the heart of his sanctum, his gaze cool and assessing. The emissary stood with forced composure, shifting under Eren's steady gaze. "My master sends his regards and wishes to extend an invitation."

"An invitation," Eren repeated, barely hiding the disdain in his voice.

"Yes," the emissary continued, voice wavering. "The Son of Shadows requests a parley. He believes a... mutual understanding may benefit you both."

Alaric, standing at Eren's side, snorted. "A parley? With a ghost?"

But Eren lifted a hand, signaling silence. He turned his gaze back to the emissary, cold and calculating. "Tell your master I accept," he said smoothly. "But if he values his life, he should be prepared to prove his identity."

---

The appointed hour came under the cloak of night, as Eren made his way to an abandoned courtyard, his steps slow and deliberate. He was armed, but subtly so, keeping his daggers concealed beneath his cloak. Alaric and Renna accompanied him at a distance, hidden within the shadows, poised to strike if needed.

The courtyard was deserted save for a single figure standing at its center, cloaked in darkness. A torch flickered at his side, casting an orange glow over his face—a young man, but with eyes that spoke of something older, more dangerous.

"I hear you've been causing quite a stir," Eren said, his voice cool, carrying easily through the empty courtyard.

The figure turned, revealing a sharp, calculating gaze that met Eren's unflinchingly. "A stir? No, I'm reclaiming what's rightfully mine."

Eren's lips curled into a smirk. "And what exactly is that?"

"My father's legacy," the Son of Shadows replied. "You stole it from him. You think you can claim Ezura and go unchallenged?"

Eren's tone was laced with mockery. "Your father's 'legacy' was built on fear and manipulation. Hardly worth inheriting, if you ask me."

The Son of Shadows took a step closer, his hand inching toward the dagger at his side. "And yet you use the same methods, don't you? Fear, manipulation—you're no different from him. Except you lack his power."

Eren's gaze darkened. "If you think you're worthy of your father's mantle, prove it. But be warned—I don't leave second chances."

The young man's grip on his dagger tightened, his expression fierce. But he stopped, hesitating, as if calculating the weight of his next move. In that pause, Eren's smirk deepened.

"Ezura doesn't need another Azrael," Eren continued, his voice low. "It needs strength. And I will show you what that means."

The Son of Shadows backed away, eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't over, Eren Valen. I'll take back what you've stolen, even if it means spilling your blood across these streets."

Without another word, he disappeared into the night, leaving Eren in the empty courtyard, his own blood simmering with the thrill of confrontation.

---

Returning to his stronghold, Eren took a moment to survey the city from its highest tower. Below, he could almost feel the tension brewing, an undercurrent of rebellion that he knew would soon boil over. The Son of Shadows had marked his claim; now, it was Eren's turn to show Ezura the full force of his power.

Beside him, Alaric muttered, "That boy's going to be trouble."

Eren's gaze remained steady. "Then we'll crush him before he has the chance to become anything more."

A chill wind swept through the city, carrying with it the murmurs of those who watched from the shadows, those who whispered of rebellion. But Eren stood unmoved, his resolve hard as stone.

This was his city.

And he would fight to keep it.

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