Chapter 172: Relief
The morning came too quickly for Eren’s liking. He had spent the night with his family, sharing stories and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy despite the circumstances. But as dawn broke through the small window of his chamber, reality settled back in with its familiar weight.
The same two guards appeared at his door, their expressions carrying the now-familiar mixture of respect and excitement. They had become almost like heralds of his fate, always appearing when it was time for another ritual.
"Good morning, Veilwalker," the taller guard said, his voice filled with anticipation. "The Master awaits your presence. Today is the day of your final ritual with Number Two."
Eren nodded, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead. He had learned to accept these moments with as much grace as he could muster, knowing that resistance would only make things more difficult for everyone involved.
"She’s been preparing for this for quite some time," the shorter guard added as they began walking through the familiar corridors. "Number Two is... well, she’s quite unique among the Master’s inner circle. You’ll see what I mean soon enough."
They moved through the stone passages, past the ornate tapestries and flickering torches. The fortress seemed quieter than usual, as if everyone was aware of the significance of this day.
"The Master speaks very highly of Number Two," the taller guard continued. "She’s been part of the organization longer than almost anyone else. Her loyalty and dedication are legendary, though her methods are... unconventional."
Eren found himself curious despite his apprehension. Each of the previous rituals had been with different individuals, each with their own personality and approach. He wondered what made Number Two so special that she was saved for last.
They climbed a different set of stairs this time, heading toward a section of the fortress Eren hadn’t seen before. The walls here were decorated with more playful artwork – colorful paintings of flowers and whimsical creatures that seemed oddly out of place in the serious atmosphere of the fortress.
"Here we are," the shorter guard said, stopping before a door that was painted a bright, cheerful yellow. Unlike the other imposing chamber doors, this one had small decorative elements – painted butterflies and stars that gave it an almost childlike quality.
The guards exchanged a look before knocking. "Number Two? The Veilwalker is here for the final ritual."