Chapter 34: Veilwalker’s Arrival
Silence hung in the chamber as Eren remained kneeling before Queen Elena. The cold stone pressed against his knees, a reminder of his position—a stranger in a foreign court.
"Rise," Elena finally commanded, her voice gentle yet carrying an unmistakable authority that filled the vast space.
Eren stood slowly, his muscles stiff from the long journey. As he met the queen’s gaze, recognition flooded through him. This was the woman from his dreams, though something was different. In his visions, she had always appeared distant, enigmatic. Now, a warm smile transformed her features, bringing a humanity he hadn’t glimpsed before.
For a moment, they simply regarded one another, the silence between them charged with unspoken recognition.
"Leave us," Elena instructed with a measured wave of her hand. "Except Commander Maria and Viva. You two, remain."
The attendants and guards filed out. The twins moved in perfect synchronization as they retreated toward the massive doors.
As Mika passed Viva, she paused. "Your cat will be long gone before you return," she whispered, loud enough for Eren to hear.
Viva stiffened. "Don’t forget I’m close with the Veilwalker now," she hissed back with a glance at Eren. "I might make him hate you."
Commander Maria suddenly turned her head. Her left eye—the one not marked by the jagged scar—flashed with unnatural light as she fixed her gaze on Mika.
Immediately, Mika’s body jerked as if pulled by invisible strings. Her grace abandoned her, her steps becoming mechanical as she moved toward the exit.
"You dare not," Mika muttered through gritted teeth, struggling against the unseen force.