Eren's breath brushed against Maria's collarbone as he rose, his body still pressed flush to hers. The ritual had left a glow in his eyes, soft now—yet far from dim. His hands roamed again, slower this time, reverent. As if learning her anew.
She watched him, chest rising and falling, body trembling faintly beneath the aftershocks of awakened magic. Her voice was hushed. "You're still holding back."
Eren didn't answer. He simply moved.
One arm hooked beneath her thighs, the other behind her back. With unhurried grace, he lifted her—his strength effortless. Maria gasped softly, arms slipping around his neck, as he carried her across the chamber.
He stopped at the edge of the stone table.
It had once held sacred offerings. Now it would hold something far more precious.
