The morning sunlight filtered through the ancient trees surrounding Eren's chambers, casting dappled patterns across the floor as he paced restlessly. Sleep had eluded him since his conversation with Lyra, his mind replaying her carefully chosen words and the doubt that had lingered beneath them. When a soft knock interrupted his thoughts, he moved to the door with unexpected eagerness.
"Naia," he said, relief evident in his voice as he stepped aside to let his sister enter. "I didn't expect you back so soon."
Naia's expression was guarded as she studied her sibling's face, noting the unusual silver gleam in Eren's typically emerald eyes. "You look terrible. Have you slept at all?"
"I can't," Eren admitted, returning to the window where the distant aqueduct was just visible through the morning mist. "Something's still not right, Naia. I can feel it."
