Naia ran through the corridor, tears streaming down her face as the realization of Eren's departure overwhelmed her. "MOTHER!" Her cry echoed off the palace walls, the anguish in her voice causing a nearby servant to pause and look toward the source of the distress.
Before she could call out again, a hand shot out from an alcove, grabbing her wrist with unexpected strength. Another moment and she was pulled into the shadows, a palm pressed firmly against her mouth, silencing her cries. Naia struggled against the grip until she recognized Lyra's face in the dim light.
"Be quiet," Lyra whispered, her voice barely audible. "The walls have ears." She slowly removed her hand from Naia's mouth, eyes scanning the corridor where the curious servant still lingered.
"Eren is gone," Naia choked out, her voice breaking. She tried to speak further, to explain the devastating contents of the letter, but fresh tears overwhelmed her.
