"Why would he send something like that?" Raya whispered.
Eren helped her stand, his hands shaking harder than hers. "To warn you."
"Warn me about what?"
"That he's close."
Raya felt the world tilt.
Close? How close?
Eren grabbed her bag, forcing her to focus.
"Raya, listen. You cannot stay in this house. If his messengers found you once, they'll find you again. We need to move."
Her throat tightened. "Move where?"
"A place he can't step into."
"That exists?"
"Barely."
The house groaned as the shadows thickened again—alive, breathing.
Eren pulled her toward the door. "If we stay any longer, his gaze will solidify. Once he locks onto you, nothing—not even I—can stop him."
Raya's pulse pounded as they ran into the hallway.
Her mark burned.
"Eren—my mark—"
"I know. He's tugging it. Calling it."
"It feels like—like someone is pulling my soul."
Eren grabbed her wrist, pressing his hand over the mark. For a moment, she felt heat—overwhelming, protective—like his energy was pushing the call away.
"I can muffle it," he said breathlessly, "but not for long."
They burst out into the night—the darkness feeling thicker, heavier.
"Eren, wait—what if he's watching right now?"
Eren didn't stop running. "He is."
Her legs nearly buckled.
"Then we can't escape!"
Eren whirled to face her, gripping her shoulders.
"You're still alive, aren't you? That means he's not ready to take you yet."
"Why not?!"
Eren's voice softened.
"Because he enjoys the chase."
Raya's blood turned cold.
A rumble echoed through the sky—not thunder.
Something deeper. Ancient.
Eren stiffened.
"That's his voice."
Raya's knees gave out. "What is he saying?"
Eren lifted her easily, holding her against him as he ran.
"One word," he whispered.
"Mine."