As the hood fell away completely, Naia's eyes widened in shock. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, the world around her ceased to exist.
"Eren?" she whispered, her voice breaking on the single word.
Time seemed to slow as Naia stared at the familiar face before her. For a heartbeat, she froze, taking in how much Eren had changed—taller now, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame that hadn't been there before. Then, without thought, without hesitation, her legs carried her forward, stumbling across the floating sand. The others called after her, their voices distant and unimportant compared to the singular truth before her—Eren had returned.
"EREN!" The name tore from her throat as a ragged sob.
