Chains of Destiny | Attack on Titan x OC

11

"Time is running out, Annie. In a few days, after Historia is crowned as queen, you will be dealt with. Have you made up your mind?" Adrasteia whispered as she slipped into Annie's cell, her voice low.

She had once again concealed herself from the female warrior. She knew that if Annie spoke to her superiors, her own hidden agenda would be at risk of exposure.

Annie shifted, her posture tense as she sat up against the cold stone wall. The dim light barely illuminated her features, but Adrasteia could see the flicker of defiance in her eyes. "What do you want from me?" she snapped, trying to mask her fear with bravado.

"I want to give you a choice," Adrasteia replied, stepping closer. "You're trapped here, and you know what awaits you. But if you cooperate, you can secure a future for yourself and your father. Marley won't help you. You and your father are nothing but easy disposables for them, and you know that."

Annie's expression hardened. "And why would I trust you? You're just as much a threat as anyone else in this place! How do you even know my father?!"

Adrasteia let out a quiet laugh, a sound devoid of warmth. "Trust is a luxury you don't have. You're right; I have my own agenda. But I also understand the weight of your predicament. If you don't help us, you'll become a pawn in someone else's game, likely ending in death or worse."

Annie's gaze drifted to the ground, considering the implications of Adrasteia's words. "What makes you think I'll cooperate? You think you can just waltz in here and offer me freedom?"

Adrasteia leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "Because I know what it's like to be trapped, Annie. To be hunted for the powers you didn't choose. You're not alone in this; I want to dismantle the chains that bind us all. You can either fight against it or use what you have to escape."

Annie narrowed her eyes, weighing her options. "And what happens if I refuse?"

Adrasteia straightened, a shadow passing over her face. "Then you'll face the consequences. The new regime won't be merciful to those they deem a liability. Your fate is sealed, and you know it. This is your only escape. Remember? You tried to crystalize yourself to avoid everything, but in the end, what awaits you will be so much worse."

Silence filled the cell, tension thick enough to cut. Annie's thoughts raced, torn between self-preservation and the betrayal of her comrades. Finally, she spoke, her voice low. "If I agree, what do you expect from me?"

"You will help the Survey Corps," Adrasteia said, her tone firm. "About Eren, about the Founding Titan, and about Marley. With that knowledge, they can devise a plan that might change everything. You could have a hand in the fate of this world."

"Why won't you do it instead?! I don't care about this damn world." Annie shot back, frustration flaring in her eyes.

Adrasteia leaned closer, her voice a mere whisper. "Because. . . it's better this way. As much as I loathe what you've done to my life, I recognize that, like Reiner, Bertholdt, and Marcel, you were just kids used as tools."

Annie stared into Adrasteia's figure, her face covered with her black cloak, finding any hint of deceit. "You think I can trust you? This is a risk."

Adrasteia nodded. "Life is a series of risks, Annie. Choose wisely. You have no idea what I'm capable of. If you try to escape, I can find you. Or I can kill you right now, turn you into pieces of sand, and wipe out your whole existence from everyone's eyes."

After a moment of silence, Annie finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll consider it."

Adrasteia turned to leave, a small sense of victory swelling within her. "I'll be back. Think carefully about what you want your future to look like."