Trust is one of the hardest things I've faced since I've been in Dauntless. Now I understand why they divided us into factions: to maintain peace. Amity would be prey in Dauntless; it would shatter the happiness they seek to have. In Amity, everyone trusts and loves each other, they can entrust their lives to others without hesitation, while in Dauntless, there's no mercy. In this faction, fear and paranoia consume you, especially if you're divergent like me.

I find myself at a point where I appreciate Norman's way of upbringing. He taught me to suppress my emotions and thoughts, he taught me to distrust like any other Dauntless member. Perhaps he always knew I would leave; I had to prepare myself for this world called Dauntless. And here I am, on the rooftop where I once jumped, where I met the man who now owns my feelings. I was sitting, looking from the edge at the deep hole in the ground where a net was perfectly hidden at the bottom, while I thought about what had just happened at least an hour ago. Maybe paranoia will drive me insane; I can't stop thinking about what I told Four.

Why am I so stupid? I shouldn't have told him; I should have stayed strong and kept quiet after saying "Amity". He let me go after admitting that I'm divergent; he told me not to worry, but it's obvious that I am.

"Are you getting bored?" His voice made me jump. I turned around to find Eric's mocking smile a few feet away from me. I chuckled and shook my head.

"I needed to catch some sun. " I shrugged.

He walked towards me, and I noticed he was wearing his jacket, the same jacket he had lent me when I was left without a shirt after the fight with Hall. "I swear I was going to return it today; the dry cleaner couldn't get the blood out." I commented.

He smiled, shaking his head. "Yeah, right." He rolled his eyes. He approached me, closing the distance until my back lightly touched the concrete. He gave me a half-smile, taking my hands to wrap them around his neck and holding me by the waist, lifting me and placing me on the building's ledge. Our distance was even closer now, allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist, bringing us face to face. I held back a sigh as I looked at him like a crazy person in love, admiring his blue eyes and perfectly chiseled face. He leaned in, and our lips met, and I let myself be carried away by their warmth and softness, holding the back of his neck to deepen the kiss.

I moved in sync with his, letting him take the lead. This kiss was different; there was gentleness, and I could even swear there was tenderness despite his aggressive movements. It was the kind of kiss that didn't need an explanation to happen; we just needed to connect our lips and feel as close to each other as possible.

What if Genesis was wrong? I wished for that, I wished she was mistaken, and that this was different, that Eric had changed, and what was growing between us was unlike anything that happened with the other girls he just played with. Because otherwise, I would end up with a completely shattered heart, miserable, watching from afar as he hunted his next prey. We broke the kiss, parting our lips but with no intention of separating our bodies. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip, looking at my lips with a smile.

"How was your experience in the simulation? Did you manage to overcome your fear of heights?"he asked casually, trying to start a conversation.

"Yes, I did." I smiled, and he showed pride on his face, although I was actually lying.

"What else happened during the simulation?" he continued asking.

I sighed with a grimace. "It's not relevant." I shrugged. "I'm still trying to make sense of it." I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"What exactly happened?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

I had to lie or at least evade half of the truth. What happened in that simulation showed me many things. I feared that Eric was playing with me, and I was also terrified that he would discover my divergence and the truth would come out. Norman was right; it was a truth I would rather not know.

"It was curious, you were the protagonist. " I laughed. "It seems I fear disappointing you, not living up to your expectations." I looked away in embarrassment. "I couldn't do much." I shrugged.

He nodded with a half-smile. "So, I'm pretty important in your life, huh?" he teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Just forget it."I nudged his shoulder with a laugh.

"You couldn't disappoint me." he assured." In fact, I can prove it to you." he shrugged.

"How?" I furrowed my brow.

"You're the talk of the town among all the leaders of Dauntless. Mike's parents are furious with Max and me, they demand that we remove you from your position so that their son can take the top spot just because he was born in Dauntless." I rolled my eyes.

"Will they do it?" I asked with fear.

"No, Max is defending you. I proposed a fight, and they accepted. This is your chance, stop thinking about that stupid fear and show that you deserve the top spot."

"Fight Mike? When?"

I want to punch that guy's face. Since the war games, I've wanted so much to confront him and make it clear that I'm not an Amity. The moment has come, and I won't let it pass.

"Today, in a few minutes, actually. I'm here to take you." he smiled.

*************************

This time was different; the excitement and tension among those present were noticeable. There were faces of disdain, superiority, and even hatred among the leaders, leaders of different ranks and ages from across Dauntless. The only ones I saw showing confidence and support were Max, Eric, and Freya, although the latter had a look of concern. I had entered the training room with Eric, and everyone's eyes were on me. Mike was on the other side of the ring, his brow furrowed as he stared at me.

Max and another man approached us, the man bearing a striking resemblance to Mike, so I assumed he was his father.

"Ronald, let me introduce you to Grace," Max smiled proudly at me. "Grace, this is Ronald, Mike's father."

Ronald nodded as he inspected me, extending his hand to shake mine. "A pleasure," I forced a smile, and he nodded in return. "Likewise," he replied.

He then turned to Eric, who had his arms crossed. Both men exchanged nods in greeting. "So, she's the one filling in for Mike." Ronald remarked, his gaze returning to me, eyebrows raised in disappointment. "It was a great idea to propose the fight, Eric. What better way to see who's the best than a live match? We'll soon see who truly deserves the position."

Feeling offended and annoyed by his attitude, I crossed my arms.

"Indeed, Ronald." Max nodded with a smile. "It's a great way to prove it."

"We can't wait another second, please, Grace." Ronald stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter the ring where Mike was. "Show us what you've got." he added sarcastically.

This was unacceptable. Without saying a word, I walked toward his son. I was going to smash the face of his pampered boy so badly that he wouldn't recognize him anymore.

I climbed into the ring without looking at anyone, trying to ignore all the leaders watching the fight. Taking a defensive stance in front of Mike, who looked completely relaxed, he chuckled and threw the first punch with his right fist. I easily evaded it, grabbing his wrist and using his momentum against him. I twisted his arm behind his back, bending his torso, and repeatedly kneed his chest, causing him to groan in pain.

He grabbed my knee, pulling it and causing me to fall to the ground with him on top of me. His fist collided with my jaw as he whispered, "bitch."

I couldn't afford to lose, especially when Eric and Max had confidence in me, adding more pressure. Before his fist could collide with my face for the second time, my hand struck his neck, leaving him breathless with his fist in the air. It was my turn, and I struck his cheek without waiting for him to recover.

I lifted my leg, wrapping it around his neck and throwing him to the ground. I straddled him, each knee on either side of his waist. With widened eyes, I saw how the tables had turned, and now I was repeatedly striking his face until his right hand grabbed my loose hair. I grabbed his wrist and pulled it around, bending his arm forcefully until he released me and I moved his hand to his back.

I stood up, watching him writhing on the ground trying to get up, and before he could push himself up, my foot struck his neck, slamming his head against the ground, leaving him unconscious with a small puddle of blood trickling from his nose.

I looked up, searching for Ronald's gaze, who was staring at his son without expression, arms crossed. He then turned his gaze towards me, looking annoyed, swallowing his words. I smiled with amusement. Stepping down from the ring, I walked over to Eric, who had a satisfied smile, just like Max.

"I told you." he shrugged. "You didn't disappoint me." he whispered, winking.

I nodded with a satisfied smile. Max approached along with Freya. The leader placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it proudly, and several applause rang out, albeit slowly.

"We haven't had such a bloodthirsty Dauntless since Eric arrived." Ronald approached us. "Now I understand why Max and Eric defended you so much. You have potential."

He extended his hand, expecting mine. I nodded and shook his hand. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

He acknowledged his mistake and congratulated me. It was nice, worthy of admiration, as not everyone knows how to admit when they're wrong.

He glanced at his unconscious son and grimaced; he couldn't imagine the scolding awaiting him. He stepped away from us, and with the help of another person, they lifted him and took him to the infirmary.

"You deserve a good rest, Grace. Congratulations. I'm very proud of you, and all of Dauntless will be," Max smiled, taking me by the shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

****************************

"It wasn't necessary, guys." I scoffed.

"Of course it was! Did you see Eric and Max's faces? The fight must have been epic for them to be so happy," Tiana grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the bar.

Tiana, Jim, and Ian were in the room when Eric and Max escorted me to the door. Max said, "Let me know if you need anything," and that was enough for Tiana to interrogate me, especially because I had a bruise on my cheek.

I recounted in detail how I punched Mike and Ronald's reaction, but I kept the part about Eric kissing me to myself since Ian was giving me a stern look.

Tiana was ecstatic, sharing my excitement and making a fuss in the room. She even threw me a black dress, insisting we had to celebrate because my leadership position was secured.

I wanted to insist that it wasn't necessary, but once Tiana gets an idea in her head, it's hard to say no to her.

"When you become a leader, you have to get us into the VIP lounge, okay?" Tiana commented with a smile.

"That's the first thing we'll do," I assured her.

Tiana and I were the first to approach a table. We sat down calmly while Jim and Ian went to get drinks. Ian initially refused to join us, but Jim insisted, and they ended up going separately, as they were outside the room, giving us privacy. Ian was with us more out of pressure from his best friend, while I tried to ignore him.

"Do they still hate me?" I asked, looking at Ian with a bitter expression.

"No, they hate themselves, even if they don't want to admit it. Ian is sad because Eric is still by your side. He hates knowing that you didn't reciprocate. Andrea seems very worried; she's distanced herself from everyone, saying she wants to be alone," he sighed. "The last thing she said about you was that she owed you an apology. She didn't deserve to be ignored, and now she's ignoring all of us," he scoffed.

"Ian is a good guy," I sighed, leaning my elbow on the table. "But I feel like he's searching for something in me that I'm not. Eric isn't changing me; I don't know what he means."

The redhead looked at me intensely, smiling without showing her teeth as she shook her head slowly.

"He is," she murmured. "You haven't noticed, but there's been a change in you, and you don't notice it because you're still you, or well, I mean, you're that other part of you that was hidden. It's not a bad thing; Ian liked the other girl who was from Amity." she shrugged.

My gaze drifted to his broad back with tattoos on his neck and his silky black hair; I'm sure Ian and I would never have made a good couple. While he seeks affection, he also gives it, and compassion. I wouldn't have been able to handle it if, after my father's blow in front of all of Dauntless, Ian tried to console me through pity and constant displays of affection, something very different from what Eric did. Neither of us likes public displays of affection, and in private, all he did was give me a hug and not bring up the topic again.

"Am I wrong?" I asked Tiana.

"No, you're free to decide who you want to be with, and as a former Erudite, I can discern a pattern of behavior in you. If you strive to give Ian what he wants, neither of you will be happy," she replied.

"You're very wise," I nodded.

"Yeah, I know," she said, ruffling her hair, pretending to be vain.

The guys arrived with a bottle and four shot glasses, placing them on the table, and Ian started to pour. There was a moment when he placed my shot in front of me, and for the first time this week, we made eye contact. Jim and Tiana must be feeling uncomfortable right now.

"Let's toast." Tiana smiled, raising her shot glass. "To a Grace in first place at the end of the two stages."

"To Grace." my name was echoed unanimously, except for Ian, who just raised his glass.

I pouted. "Thanks." I smiled, and we both downed the bitter liquid.

*******

I'm proud of myself; not only did I learn to moderate my alcohol consumption, but I also stayed sane and avoided a disaster like last time.

The music volume increased, and people headed to the dance floor. I couldn't escape, and Tiana dragged me onto it.

Unlike last time, I wasn't feeling too bad this time. I had a slight dizziness, but I could still stand and dance to the music. It was curious; the intensity of the volume and the constant rhythm made my hips move along, and it felt good—something different since it was the first time I danced, all thanks to the effects of alcohol.

The crowd around me was thick, so much so that I lost sight of Tiana, seeing her last with Jim. I felt uncomfortable because of the constant bumps.

Then, I felt two hands gripping my waist, moving me in circles, feeling a slight brush against his pants.

"You're very beautiful, baby. Why don't you give me your name, and we can leave?" His whisper in my ear sent shivers down my spine.

I spun around abruptly, facing a boy from Dauntless who seemed to be quite imbalanced and had clearly consumed too much alcohol.

"No, thank you," I smiled without showing my teeth, moving his hands away, ready to leave.

"Don't go," he grabbed my waist again, pulling me towards him, hiding his face in my neck. "What's your name, doll?" he breathed heavily against my neck.

"Back off," I pushed him away, managing to create some distance.

Despite his drunken state, I could feel his strength. I turned around, but he grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.

Doesn't anyone notice what's happening?

I was ready to hit him. Today, unlike last time, I could leave him lying on the floor. However, help arrived just in time.

"She told you to back off, idiot," he shouted with annoyance, pushing the guy away and knocking him to the ground. "Let's go," he took me by the shoulders to lead me away from the dance floor.

Ian had a serious expression, his features hardening, while I felt the brunt of his frustration as he gripped my shoulder tightly.

He didn't speak to me, just dragged me out of the venue after saving me from the drunken guy. We descended the last stairs and turned left down the corridor until he stopped. There was no one around, just him and me.

"Thanks," I whispered.

He shook his head, letting out a snort. "Your shining armor guy didn't come to save you. Sorry it had to be me who pulled you away from that idiot," he slurred his words, clearly drunk.

"Ian... I'm sorry, okay?" I was about to launch into a whole speech, but his laughter interrupted me.

"What will you say? That you're sorry but ever since you kissed Eric, you forgot about me? Or that you just played with me, I was a distraction while Eric paid attention to you?" he said with annoyance, raising his arms.

Jim...

Damn Tiana and her inability to keep her mouth shut when she should.

"Ian, I didn't play with you. You knew what was going on before the kiss, and..."

"Of course I knew. You told me yourself that all you cared about was completing the two stages, not kissing him. Is that what you meant? Did you have to roll around with that jerk to get to first place?" he scoffed. "Who would've thought, a complete slu..."

I didn't let him finish. My fist collided with his cheek, channeling all the strength and courage of that moment into the punch, silencing him.

"Don't you ever call me that again," I said through gritted teeth, angry. "If we kissed, it was a mistake and..."

I hate when they don't let me talk.

He didn't let me finish, lunging forward and pressing his lips aggressively and violently against mine. He gripped my cheeks, forcing me to continue the kiss, while I tried to break free from his grasp.

I raised my knee in fury and hit his groin, shoving him back by the shoulders, making him stagger in pain.

He looked at me with a mix of pain and anger, straightening up slowly. For a moment, his expression softened as he glanced behind me. I heard him mutter a "shit" along with a sigh.

A gust of wind passed by my left side along with a silhouette, a silhouette that I later recognized. Eric walked towards Ian and without warning, punched his right cheek, causing the dark-haired guy to fall to the ground. My leader, showing authority, adjusted the sleeve of his gray jacket and its collar.

"Calling her a slut wasn't pleasant, making false accusations was the last straw, and kissing her without her consent was the final straw," he said, annoyed. I could tell he was upset, even though he was trying to hide it. "You got what you deserved, but that doesn't mean I can't do the same to you. Last time you treat her like that. In fact, you're forbidden from approaching her. Is that clear enough, or do you need further punishment?"

The effects of alcohol weren't doing Ian any favors. He had been an idiot, and now he was even more of an idiot with a death wish as he challenged Eric with his gaze.

"Be careful, we train soldiers, not rebels. Wipe that look off your face, or I'll go for the other eye," Eric warned.

Ian lowered his gaze with a roll of his eyes and a grimace, then got up from the ground and walked down the hallway we had come from until he was out of our sight.

Eric turned on his heel, chin raised as he raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. God, he was handsome.

"I can't leave you alone for two hours without you getting into trouble or someone wanting to harm you," he accused, with a hint of mockery.

I chuckled and shrugged. I shouldn't be laughing; I should feel bad, devastated for breaking Ian's heart and probably a testicle, but here I am with Eric, forgetting what happened.

"I've come to think that I'm a trouble magnet," I admitted, closing my eyes halfway.

"You should deactivate that magnet; it's a pain in the ass to get you out of trouble," he said, rolling his eyes. "Let's go before you attract more trouble."

"Where are we going?" I asked casually, walking beside him.

I was getting used to him, to his company and his stride, to his expressions, which, although few, you learn to recognize over time.

"I don't know why you're asking; we always go to the same place," he scoffed with a chuckle.

I lowered my gaze, biting my lip to hide my smile and the blush on my cheeks. We're going to his room.