Raya shoved Eren backward, fury exploding through her.
"Don't say things like that!"
He steadied himself but didn't move closer.
"Raya, listen—he cannot kill the one he claims."
"But he can kill the one protecting what he claims."
The words felt like knives.
"Then let me go," Raya whispered.
"If I stop fighting, maybe he'll spare you."
Eren's face twisted.
"Do you think I saved you all those years just to hand you back to him now?"
Raya swallowed.
"You're going to die because of me."
"Then it's a death I choose."
The Mark pulsed so hard Raya almost screamed.
The shadows around them trembled violently.
Raya took a shaky step forward.
"They're reacting again."
"They're warning us," Eren murmured.
"Warning us of what?"
"That he's close enough to touch you."
Raya's breath stopped.
Before she could speak, a sharp pain ripped down her arm. She cried out, falling to her knees.
"RAYA!" Eren lunged for her.
But the moment he touched her—
A blast of silver light erupted from her skin, throwing him backward.
Raya stared at her glowing hands in horror.
"I—I didn't mean to—!"
Eren groaned, pushing himself up.
"It wasn't you. It was him. He used your awakening against me."
The Mark flared again.
A single tear slid down Raya's cheek.
"I'm scared, Eren."
Eren reached for her, slower this time.
"Don't cry. He feeds on fear."
Raya sniffed, wiping her face.
"So what do I do?"
Eren stared at her for a lo
ng, aching moment.
"Be brave," he whispered.
"Even if you're not."