Chains of Destiny | Attack on Titan x OC

37

"Protecting Eren and Historia is a major assignment," Armin mused aloud as he scrubbed a stubborn patch of dirt off the cabin floor. He glanced at the others, his brow furrowed with thought. "I know we've lost a lot of seasoned soldiers, but there must be others more experienced than us. Why were we chosen for Squad Levi?" 

The rest of the group exchanged glances, none of them able to answer. The room fell into a contemplative silence, the sound of scrubbing and sweeping filling the air as they returned to their cleaning.

Moments later, the door opened, and Levi entered, his usual stoic demeanor in place. Behind him was a figure that made every one pause.

"Adrasteia? You're finally awake!" Eren exclaimed, dropping the rag he'd been using to clean. Relief and excitement lit up his face as he moved toward her. "Wait, you're part of the squad too?"

Adrasteia sighed, crossing her arms. "I had no choice," she muttered.

Levi's sharp gaze flicked to her, his voice low but commanding. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop rolling your eyes, Parvis?"

Adrasteia raised her brows but said nothing, biting back a retort. Instead, she looked away, her thoughts churning. 'I had no choice because I know I'm under suspicion. I can't go around using my powers like before.'

She clenched her fists subtly at her sides. 'Ilyana was right—now that I've gained mortality, relying on my powers comes at a cost. If I push too far and use them too much, it could weaken me, maybe even kill me. I guess it wasn't like before because I came back to life repeatedly.'

As the two entered, they all gathered at the table. Captain Levi was seated in the middle, and on his left were Adrasteia, Jean, Sasha, and Connie. On his right were Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, and sat across him was Historia.

Four other scouts with Hange were also present to take notes on the meeting.

As the group discussed the plans to retake Wall Maria, Adrasteia's attention drifted. She let the others' voices fade into the background, her golden eyes wandering toward the window. 

Perched just outside on a low branch was Orion, his sleek black feathers gleaming faintly in the afternoon light. He cocked his head, as if sensing her gaze, and let out a low croak.

Adrasteia leaned back slightly, her thoughts elsewhere. She didn't bother to pay attention; she had heard this conversation multiple times before. The strategies, the risks, the inevitable sacrifices.

"Adrasteia." Levi's sharp tone snapped her back to the present. She turned her head, meeting his piercing gray eyes.

"Yes, Captain?" she said, schooling her expression into neutrality.

"Care to join the conversation, or are we boring you?" he asked dryly, his gaze narrowing slightly.

Hange glanced between them, their brows furrowing. "Hey, she just woke up not long ago. Cut her some slack."

Levi ignored them, keeping his focus on Adrasteia. "If you're part of this squad, you're expected to contribute. If you've got something to add, say it. Otherwise, pay attention."

Adrasteia just looked at him boredly. "Understood."

Before the tension could settle, Hange spoke, "Minister Nick is dead."

All eyes turned to Hange, expressions ranging from shock to disbelief. Everyone, except Adrasteia. She didn't flinch, her golden eyes remaining unfazed as if the news were as mundane as the weather.

"Minister Nick was found dead this morning inside the Trost District barracks," Hange continued. "I don't know the exact cause of death yet, but it's clear—he was murdered."