The shadows receded as Eren and Kaida emerged from the void, stepping back into the grand throne room. The transition left a cold metallic taste in Eren's mouth, like drinking water from a copper cup left too long in winter air. He rolled his tongue against his palate, trying to dispel the sensation while gathering his thoughts.
'I need to buy time,' he realized. 'Figure out what's truly happening here before I commit to anything.'
Kaida watched him with those unsettling kaleidoscope eyes, her expression one of patient amusement—as if she were observing a child slowly working through a puzzle she had mastered centuries ago.
"There might be a problem," Eren said finally, his voice measured and deliberate. The humic pressed against his chest, its tiny form vibrating with what felt like agreement.
Kaida tilted her head slightly, her silver hair cascading like liquid moonlight over one shoulder. "Oh? And what problem might that be, Veilwalker?"
