Eren's face, usually a mask of arrogant composure, twisted into a snarl of pure, unadulterated rage. His knuckles whitened around the hilt of his sword, the polished silver gleaming ominously in the courtyard sun. "What did you just say?" he spat, the words sharp as broken glass. "Girlfriend?"
I smirked, my grip on Sasha's arm tightening just enough to be reassuring, pulling her closer until she was tucked against my side. "Yes," I said, my voice deceptively light, carrying easily across the now-silent courtyard. "Mine."
Sasha stiffened in my arms, her body a rigid line of tension. I felt her tremble, and for a moment, I saw a flash of confusion in her tear-streaked face. Then, as if understanding the role she had been cast in, she gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod, playing along with my dangerous charade.
