Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 49: Tremors

Silence blankets the forest. No voices, no birds, not even the rustling of leaves—just an eerie, suffocating stillness.

When you and Levi finally reach the campsite, your chest tightens at the sight. It's completely destroyed. Tents lay flattened, crates reduced to splinters, the entire area a wasteland of broken wood and shattered supplies. There's nothing left.

Levi drags Zeke's unconscious body behind him, and you quicken your pace to walk beside him. You steal a glance at him—his expression is ice-cold, his eyes dark and hollow, a look you haven't seen since your time in the underground. He doesn't speak, and you don't dare press him. You just watch as he unceremoniously drops Zeke's limp form to the ground, grabs a rope, and binds his arms behind his back, securing his feet just as tightly.

When he's done, Levi stares down at Zeke with pure disgust. With a grunt, he drives a thunder spear into the bastard's side. Zeke doesn't even flinch, and steam still rises from his regenerating wounds. Levi exhales sharply, shoulders tense, frustration radiating off him. His jaw clenches, and then, under his breath, you hear him whisper—

"How many more lives are we going to lose?"

You remain silent. There's nothing you can say to change the fact that, today, you both slaughtered more than a dozen of your own comrades. Instead, you step closer, resting a hand on Levi's back.

He looks at you. In his hardened gaze, you see the pain buried beneath the anger. You offer a small, reassuring smile—one that silently promises that maybe, everything will be okay.

Levi's eyes soften, and before you can react, he pulls you into his arms. You hold onto him tightly, gripping his cloak as you feel his warm breath against your shoulder. For a moment, the world fades away, leaving just the two of you, bound together in exhaustion, grief, and quiet understanding.

When you pull apart, you meet each other's gaze, both overwhelmed by everything that's happened. You exhale a shaky breath.

"What now?" you ask.

Levi takes a moment to scan the wreckage around you before answering.

"We need to get back. If the Yeagerists have taken over the government, our only option is to find military members who haven't turned their backs." His voice is steady but firm. "We need to find Hange and the rest of the squad. Until then, we lay low. We can't let them get their hands on Zeke."

You glance at Zeke's unconscious form and sigh. "Should I shift? I might be able to find them faster."

Levi shakes his head. "Too risky. They'll spot us immediately."

You nod, thinking of alternatives when suddenly, you feel his hand wrap around yours. You look up, surprised to see the rare gentleness in his eyes. His brows furrow, and when he speaks, his tone is serious.

"Things are different now," he says. "Normally, I'd tell you to hide. To run. To stay safe." His grip tightens. "But right now, I need you."

Your breath catches.

"Paradis is falling apart," he continues. "And with the rest of the world preparing to wipe us out, we don't have the luxury of sitting around and waiting to die." His voice darkens. "We have to pick a side."

He searches your face. "Whatever you choose—I'll stand by you."

The weight of his words settles over you. The choice is clear: Side with the Yeagerists and fight for Paradis, knowing it would mean the destruction of the world, or find another way—one that doesn't end in endless bloodshed.

You think of Marley. Not the government. Not the war-hungry leaders. But the people. The ones who don't deserve to die. Eugene's face flashes in your mind for a brief second. No. There has to be another way.