Awakening ceremony and Danger ahead

Morning light streamed through the high windows, painting golden patterns across the stone floor. Eren stirred, his body pleasantly aching from the night's ritual with Commander Maria. As consciousness returned fully, he felt the difference immediately—a new current of power flowing through his veins, cool and fluid. The second element had awakened within him.

He assessed the unfamiliar magic pulsing beneath his skin. Illusion—not his primary affinity, but now unmistakably part of him. Useful. Another tool.

A firm knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter," he called, voice flat despite his nakedness. He stood unmoving, facing the door.

A palace guard stepped in, eyes carefully averted out of respect. In her hands lay a bundle of fabric so fine it seemed to catch the light in ways ordinary cloth could not.