Hidden Disappointment

"Bah!" Erwin growled and his lips curled, showing sharp fangs. His golden eyes flashed as he met Brooke's stare. "We heard the same thing during the Chaos War, and look how that turned out. Someone will always come along and save us."

"There was a prophecy that time," Brooke stated. Her voice lost whatever warmth it had gained, and if anything, grew harder. She still looked relaxed, but Shelly noticed one hand was close to the blade on her left hip. "And my husband didn't do it alone. A lot of good creatures died, ensuring this world survived. Lyden wasn't the only hero."

"And now we come to the crux of things." Shelly heard Erwin purr as he spoke, as though he'd caught a mouse he was ready to pounce on. "You need fodder for your armies. You want us to sacrifice ourselves so our betters can live on to fight another day."