Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 22: A Moment's Rest

The clatter of hooves echoed faintly through the silent streets as the remnants of the Scout Regiment returned to Wall Rose. Half the soldiers who had left came back, and those who remained bore heavy burdens—some physical, others unseen. Torches along the walls flickered, casting long shadows across the weary group. Horses trudged slowly, their riders slumped with exhaustion. Some soldiers leaned against their comrades, too tired to sit upright. Others were unconscious, carried in wagons along with the wounded. The air was thick with the stench of sweat, dirt, and dried blood. 

Erwin's horse moved steadily, though the commander swayed dangerously in the saddle. His missing arm, now only a stump wrapped in a makeshift tourniquet, throbs with pain, every muscle in his body trembled, and his pale face was ghostly in the torchlight. Blood loss had drained him, yet he kept going, sheer willpower keeping him upright. With only one arm left to hold the reins, he struggled to keep you from slipping off his horse. You lay limp behind him, unconscious, your body jostling with the horse's movements.

The gates creaked open, and the Garrison soldiers rushed to assist. They took the injured to the infirmary, helped those too weak to walk, and began leading away the horses. The arrival was somber, quiet except for the shuffle of boots and soft murmurs between soldiers. Exhausted scouts were gently roused, their eyes bleary and confused. But you didn't stir. 

Erwin barely noticed the help offered to him, his mind hazy with fatigue. Then, from the corner of his vision, he spotted a familiar figure approaching—Levi. His heart sank further at the sight of his old friend, knowing the questions that would soon follow. 

Levi moved swiftly through the crowd, his sharp gaze scanning every face. Relief flickered momentarily as he saw Eren and Mikasa leaning against each other, their eyes closed in exhausted sleep. Nearby, Armin murmurs quietly to Historia and Connie, while Jean sat slumped beside them, absently listening to the conversation. But Levi wasn't looking for them. His gaze swept past them, searching for one familiar face. 

The steady clop of hooves behind him made him turn. His sharp eyes locked on Erwin, and his breath hitched for a brief second when he noticed the missing arm. His expression didn't change—he had learned long ago to hide his emotions—but his heart lurched. 

"You're missing a damn arm," Levi muttered, his voice low and flat. "...I don't even wanna ask." 

Erwin gave a faint nod, his expression calm despite the pale sheen on his face. "I wouldn't have an answer for you anyway." 

Levi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Where is she?" 

Without a word, Erwin shifted his horse, revealing your unconscious form draped against him. 

For a moment, Levi stood frozen. His heart pounded painfully in his chest. Then, with a sharp inhale, he closed the distance between them and gently pulled you off the horse. 

"Dammit..." Levi muttered, cradling you in his arms. His sharp eyes scanned you, taking in every blood stain, cut, and bruise. Your skin was too pale, your breathing too shallow. His grip tightened slightly, frustration and worry bubbling beneath the surface. 

Erwin watched silently as Levi inspected you, his brow furrowed. "She fought well," he said softly. "We wouldn't have retrieved Eren without her." 

Levi let out a bitter scoff. "How many people do we have to hurt—or sacrifice—just to keep that kid alive?" His voice was low, biting, but there was no malice in it. 

Erwin, with a glance toward Eren, responds quietly, "He's the key, Levi. For humanity's survival. And we're soldiers. We knew the risks."

Levi clenched his jaw, holding back the argument that brewed in his mind. Instead, he shifted his gaze back to Erwin, his expression softening slightly. "You need to get that arm taken care of. Go to the infirmary before you pass out in the street."