The Anomaly

by Chloe Watton

Eric decides to play a game of truth or dare to prove who belongs in Dauntless and who doesn't. But as always, Eric's rules are about as bad as they can get. If you pick truth, you're seen as a coward and are forced to stand in front of the target while Four throws knifes. If you flinch, you're out. If you refuse to do a dare given to you, you're out. Set during initiation.

8. Chapter 8

Four's POV

Al stares at me with brooding eyes. He looks exasperated; his cheeks are crimson and his expression is hard.

I raise an eyebrow at him, questioningly. Nobody has ever challenged me like this before, but I can't deny that I deserve it. I forced him to openly admit that he liked Tris, though I'm sure he made it obvious enough beforehand.

Al clears his throat. "Four, Candor or Dauntless?"

I harden my expression. "Dauntless."

The corner of Al's mouth twitches slightly. "I dare you to make Tris go back to her seat."

Tris squeezes my hand reassuringly. She shifts slightly, shuffling to the edge of my knees in attempt to get up. I pull her closer to my chest inconspicuously.

"What kind of dare is that, transfer," I spit. My temper flares at his jealousy.

Al shrugs. "It's a dare. If you think it's that easy, then do it."

I clench my fists and take a deep breath. "Tris, go back to your seat."

Uriah snorts. "Al, you're such a coward," he mumbles. Will and Marlene nod in agreement.

"He doesn't have to do it," Al says. He looks me up and down. "He could always remove an item of clothing…"

"No," Tris snaps. She hops down from my lap, stumbling slightly when her feet meet the ground. I grasp her arm to steady her. She gives me a small smile before heading back to her seat next to Will.

I fold my arms across my chest, feeling suddenly vulnerable. Everyone is staring at me, taking in every inch of my bare skin. My cheeks flush slightly.

"Wait," Uriah says, confusion evident in his expression. He turns to Eric. "What happens if you and Four are cowards?"

Eric raises an eyebrow at him. "What?"

Uriah smirks. "You wouldn't be setting a good example, would you?"

I fight the urge to smile. Uriah is proposing a punishment for the cowardice of Eric and I. I admire his bravery, however idiotic he may be. He should know better than to question Eric.

Eric presses his lips together bitterly. After a moments silence, he says, "Careful, initiate. I could cut you from Dauntless right now."

Uriah's smile widens. "You can't do that."

Eric snorts. "I can do whatever I want. Don't push me, Uriah."

Uriah narrows his eyes at Eric. "That is called bullying, Eric. And am I correct that bullying is a form of cowardice? Are you a coward Eric?"

"How dare you—"

"Stop it, both of you," Marlene whispers. "Dauntless don't argue like imbecilic children."

Uriah takes a deep breath. "You're right."

Eric remains silent, but glares daggers at Uriah. This isn't going to end well, for either of them. Eric's temper is lethal, but there's one thing I know for sure. Every person in this room is going to be pushed harder, to their breaking point. And maybe even further.