Chapter 7:

"Don't

underestimate me.

I know more than I say,

Think more than I speak

& notice more than you

realize."

-Anonymous

I tried to swallow the unpleasant nervousness that had risen in my throat at the thought of having to face off against Henry. I wasn't successful though as my eyes searched through our small group and finally settled on his tall form.

I didn't want Henry to be my opponent in any type of fight, but especially not my first combative fight. My odds of winning against him were extremely slim, as he had the advantage of height, weight, and power. His slim figure was deceiving, but the tight Dauntless black tee shirt that clung to his abs could not deny that Henry had some seriously well developed muscles. And from our morning breakfasts together I knew that he had studied combat skills back in Erudite. Not to mention Henry was my friend.

"We have assessed you on your progress so far with all the other skills you have been practicing," Four said, moving to the other side of the chalkboard. "But fights are weighed more heavily in deciding on rankings."

My heart sank in my chest. I was moderately talented at all the other skills (except knife throwing) so far, which put me at what I'd estimate the middle of the pack. But if I lost this fight against Henry (which I probably would my mind informed me) then my chances of becoming factionless would greatly increase.

"Ian and Ben you're up first," Eric said, his eyes glittering with something that resembled anticipation.

I squeezed Ian's arm and heard Justice whisper 'I know you'll kick that douchbag's ass' before he marched up to the boxing ring. Ben too climbed in after. He towered over my short friend, but Ian's stockiness made him almost twice as thick.

"The fight ends when one of you cannot continue," Eric began until Four cut him off.

"- Or until one of you concedes."

Eric sent him a murderous glare, to which Four looked utterly non-pulsed. But Eric grudgingly nodded his head in agreement.

I peeled my eyes away from Eric's scowling face and focused back on Ben and Ian. As much as I wanted to worry about my fight and muse on what strategies I should employ against Henry, I knew I needed to pay attention. Learning the other initiates' strategies was key so not only could I attempt them, but also incase I had to face them in a future fight.

Ben wore an unsettling smirk on his narrow face as if he already thought he had won. I don't know why he was so confident because Ian had proved himself to be remarkable in every activity we had performed so far. Ian stood opposite him, wearing an uncharacteristically blank face- something I'd yet to see on any of the Candor transfers.

"Today initiates!" Eric barked.

Ben didn't need telling twice, he immediately swung his fist at Ian's head. Ian ducked and shot out his elbow, striking Ben in the chest. Ben stumbled back and wheezed and Ian used this advantage to move forward, but this time Ben easily blocked his kick.

My eyes drank in every punch, kick, and headlock- every strength and every weakness. I watched their feet, torso and arms move like they were in a dance and not quite familiar with the steps.

Ian was powerful, had dizzying punches, and unexpected moves, but he was slow moving, constantly forgot to block his ribs, and didn't have the balance to kick well. Ben too had powerful punches, but his kicks were even more forceful due to his long legs. He obviously wasn't afraid to fight dirty, as I noticed his whispering things at Ian while the fight progressed, but he didn't have any strategy, which made him predictable. And this ultimately led to his downfall as Ian blocked an anticipated kick and sent one blow to the side of Ben's head, knocking him out.

Four circled Ian's name on the chalkboard and I scanned the board- there were two more fights until I had to face Henry.

Four nodded at Ian, which I suppose was his way of saying 'congratulations' before motioning for a man with a red shirt standing in the darkness to bring Ben to the infirmary. Once Ben was gone he turned back to us. "Fern and Claire, you're up next."

Fern was much better at concealing her obvious pleasure at her opponent than Ben was. But even though her lips didn't curl into a smirk, I could see the triumphant satisfaction dancing in her cold eyes. And this time I had reason to think she was right. I honestly had no idea why Claire would have chosen Dauntless, as she displayed none of their trademark characteristics. If she wanted to leave Erudite so badly, then I wonder why she didn't pick Amity. The peaceful faction seemed to suit her timid personality much better.

Claire didn't have the same control over her emotions like Fern or Ian did. I could see the nervousness in her jittering leg, and her panicked eyes searching for a way out of this situation. I felt bad for the girl, but she did choose this. And what did she really expect from Dauntless after all?

The second Claire stepped onto the mat Fern was on her. I winced as a brutal right hook collided with her unprotected jaw. Claire fell and Fern didn't hesitate to kick her in the ribs. I almost wanted to look away, but knew that studying Fern's technique would come in handy later. Claire coughed and bright red blood splattered onto the mat. That meant that there was a good possibility that Claire had internal damage. She started mumbling, but it was hard to hear what she was saying, and instead of fighting back she curled herself into a ball, her legs protecting her torso, and arms around her head. Fern finally allowed a chilling smile to grace her lips as she sent a blow to Claire's spine. A crack shot out through the silent room, and Claire fell forward limply.

"Enough!" Four snarled running forward as Fern was drawing her leg back for another kick.

Eric's face looked utterly bored as he leisurely meandered over to the mat.

"She needs medical attention now," Four said his voice filled with quiet urgency, but we could all hear him in the silence that had filled the room.

We watched as a group of people descended from the shadows of the room, all clad in black pants and bright red tee shirts. They swarmed around Claire and in less than three minutes she was carried out of the room. Murmurs of punctured lung and possible fractured vertebrae echoed in the stone chamber.

The smugness faded from Fern's face as she noticed all of the horrified looks directed at her by my fellow transfers.

"Initiates you are to spar with each other, not try and beat each other to death," Four snarled, his dark blue eyes flashing angrily at Fern. "You will be fighting everyday until the end of this stage, you cannot beat each other so badly that it will be impossible to continue. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir," we all said, our eyes still widened in shock at what had just occurred.

"And," Four said, slowly moving to Fern, "if someone even whispers that they concede you stop fighting. Or else you're out!"

Any colour that was in Fern's bronze face abruptly faded. She nodded jerkily, and ran over to her post beside Marina. And even Marina looked uncomfortable standing beside her.

My eyes slithered past Fern to Eric, who had his hands behind his head and was gazing at the rock ceiling, as if an initiate was not just beaten to near death. I nearly stumbled when his head turned slowly and his blue eyes locked onto me. No emotion registered on his handsome, if not harsh face. "Next!" he abruptly said, his gaze flitting to the chalkboard.

"Marina's not on the board," Ian whispered to me, as we both watched Justice saunter her long legs into the ring. Patrick trailed meekly behind her.

My eyes immediately shot back to the chalkboard. And sure enough he was right. Marina's name was not printed on the board. "There are an uneven number of us. I guess one person sits out everyday."

Ian snorted, "Too bad it wasn't Claire's day."

I turned to really study Ian and noticed the concerned look on his face. I wasn't sure what to make of it. Part of me knew that getting attached to people here would be a bad idea. That could involve messy feelings if either they or I fail initiation. But I was already neck deep in messy feelings concerning every other aspect of my life, so I staunchly ignored that rule. The other part of me felt worried for Justice. When I first met the two I knew that they were crushing on each other, but Ian's growing attention and concern towards Claire hinted at a crush. I too felt sorry for my fellow Erudite transfer, but Ian's unease was distinctly different than that of an aloof acquaintance. The sound of flesh hitting flesh caused me to snap out of my musings and focus on the fight.

Patrick had Justice in a headlock. But Justice was shoving her elbow into Patrick's side where some valuable organs sat. When she simultaneously shoved her elbow into his ribs and slammed her heel onto his foot, Patrick released her and doubled over. Justice used this advantage to knee Patrick in the face, and more crimson blood was added to the mat.

"I concede," Patrick panted through his bloody nose.

Four nodded as he circled Justice's name, but Eric sneered down at Patrick like he was the vilest human he had ever met.

"Lyra and Henry, you're up next," Four said, as he tuned to face us.

I felt my heart stutter in my chest before tripling the pace. Nerves lodged in my throat, so I calmly breathed through my nose. If I let panic settle upon me, I could get tunnel vision, which would only hinder me in a fight. The only thing I really benefitted from panicking was the adrenalin now surging through my system. My instincts were telling me 'fight or flight' but my mind told me there was only one option.

I climbed into the ring and faced Henry. My dilated pupils still noticed that he was not wearing that usual sunny smile that he greeted me in the morning with. No, facing me was my opponent, even if his eyes revealed a hint of hesitation. And despite the small mercy, I needed to figure out a way to beat him.

So I decided to do the unexpected and strike first. I darted forward and Henry crouched down to protect what he seemingly thought my target was-his sides. But that lent me the advantage and I cuffed him hard on the ear with my fist. Disoriented, Henry stumbled back and I slammed my fist into his ribcage. But this time I wasn't fast enough to escape his retaliation. When the punch hit my collarbone I felt pain instantly flare like a flame springing to life within me. I knew I had to ignore it, so I backed away.

Henry's dark eyes were studying me even more guarded now. He clearly had learned not to underestimate me now, which lost me my advantage.

"Come on already," I heard Eric jeer, but I ignored it. He didn't exist. No one existed but Henry and me inside this ring.

I didn't have time to move as Henry shoved forward and tackled me to the ground. He raised a fist to bring down on my face, but I rolled out of the way. My leg shot out and I kicked him hard in the same spot of his ribs. He grunted with pain, but grabbed my leg, throwing me off balance and dragging me forward. I had to bring up my arms to block my face, just like Four and Eric taught us. But the light jabs Justice offered me couldn't compare to the dizzying pain I felt went Henry's fist made contact with my forearm. I bucked my hips and he fell slightly to the side presenting me with a golden opportunity. I slammed my elbow into Henry's neck with no remorse.

Henry wheezed, but before I could scramble away I watched his dark eyes bore into mine. And in that moment I couldn't recognize any hint of the friend I shared my meals with. This was a cold and merciless man- completely primal and I was a target. And before I had the chance to do anything, a large fist came at me and darkness was all I knew.

…

When I blinked my eyes open the first thing I noticed was that I was not in my bedroom at home, or the Dauntless dormitory. The ceiling in this room was made of white bricks, curving into a simple arch. The second thing I became aware of was the noise. I could hear the hum of machinery, and the soft voices and light padding of boots. And finally I noticed the pain in my body. I was a dull throbbing sort of pain, which was the first indication that I was under the influence of some sort of medication.

"Finally, you're up!" A loud voice near me exclaimed. "I've been waiting for ages, and I was getting soo bored."

It felt like it took all my energy just to turn my head and see where the noise was coming from. Dark eyes, dark hair, heart shaped face. Justice.

She whistled lowly in her throat, "That is one nasty shiner darkening on your face!"

I grimaced as I felt my right eye socket throbbing, along with my collarbone and arms. "What did they give me?" I asked, and internally added, 'and when can I get some more?'

Justice shrugged, "I don't know. I wasn't here when they brought you up."

I sighed and let my shoulders slump into the scratchy pillows. "I suppose I lost then."

Justice's face was filled with uneasy hesitation. It was times like these that reminded me she used to be in Candor because her face showed emotions as clearly as if she said them out loud. "Yeah," she said quietly. "But I'm sure Four and Eric will take into account that your fight was not really fair. You had a much bigger opponent, and your hits were really great. Henry even had to come in here for an x-ray," she quickly added, almost tripping over her words.

But if anything they made me feel worse. I lost. I was one step closer to being factionless.

"I have the perfect thing to cheer you up though!" Justice said, a mega watt smile. "We get tomorrow off because it's the weekend, and tonight they are holding a party for us!" I smiled wanly but Justice didn't seem to notice. "It's going to be in the Pit around nine. You'll come right?"

I sighed softly. I didn't really want to go to a party. I knew it wouldn't be beneficial to my health. Thumping music that the Dauntless always seemed to favor, along with strobe lights and crowded spaces did not seem to be a good remedy for the concussion that I doubtlessly had. But truthfully I knew that that wasn't the real reason. I could take some Pytec medication, which would rid me of brain swelling and be fine, but I was in a sulky mood. I just wanted to be alone.

"Silly me," Justice said, throwing back her long hair. "Of course you will come. There are plenty of Dauntless men to ogle at," she grinned cheekily.

More guy problems were the last thing I needed, seeing as I was still in love with someone I didn't think I would ever see again. But the challenging glint in Justice's eyes told me that I was not getting out of this. "Of course I'm coming," I mumbled. "What time is it now?"

"Four thirty."

"Thanks for coming by, but do you mind if I get a bit more sleep before dinner? I can meet you in the Dining Hall."

Justice's stare was uncharacteristically shrewd. "Alright." She rose to her feet and took a few steps towards the door, but stopped and turned. "But just remember Lyra, everyone loses at some point. Its how you handle the loss that defines you."

I swallowed thickly as she strode out the door. I didn't know how to handle loss. In Erudite I never lost. I had always been smart, charismatic, and mildly pretty. The only loss that I experienced thus far was an emotional one at being separated from my home faction and everyone within it. But I suppose I hadn't really dealt with that loss either. It was hard when there was no closure- every what if had haunted my mind. And this beating from Henry was harsh on my body, but it was more agonizing on my mind. I slumped in my borrowed bed and spent the next two hours going over every move I made in that ring, and where I went wrong.

By the time I dragged my body down to the Dining Hall I was feeling better. The nurses had given me Pytec for my concussion and some cream to slather on my bruises to decrease the swelling. When I reached the table with Justice, Ian and Henry, Ian chuckled through the mouthful of hamburger he was eating.

"You make a pretty sight," he said partially swallowing.

I grimaced at the lack of manners, and the truth behind the statement. I hadn't looked in a mirror yet, but I was sure my face was a mess. So not only was my confidence diminished, but also my ego.

I sat down beside Justice and put a burger on my plate when I found a hand hovering in front of my holding out the ketchup bowl. My eyes shot up to find Henry staring intently at me, a pleading look filling his brown eyes.

"Thanks," I said accepting the bowl.

"Lyra, I'm so-" Henry started, but I cut him off.

"Don't worry about it. We were doing exactly as told."

Henry smiled tentatively back at me, as if he wasn't quite sure how sincere I was. And truthfully, neither was I.

"Why are you sitting there?" A melodious voice from behind me questioned.

I turned around to see Fern's face staring right at me. Two blonde eyebrows had risen in question. "That's the winners table," she continued, a smirk lifting her lips.

"Then why aren't you sitting here?" I shot back, "Oh right, because you're not a winner, you're a savage who beats people even after they beg you to stop."

Fern's face went white and both her table and my table filled with silence. After another moment passed where she still remained speechless, I turned back around and picked up my burger. But that little voice inside of me- that voice that pointed out how beautiful Caroline Lumley was asked me 'what was I doing at the winners table'? I knew this voice, it had a name: envy. And envy pointed out that I might as well enjoy my meals with these people while I could because I might not be here much longer. I dropped my half eaten burger onto my plate with a huff, and when I looked up everyone was staring at me. "Sorry, the meds make me nauseous," I lied easily. Henry winced.

Justice pushed her empty plate away from her. "Its week two, which means we have a hundred more points. I want to get something done."

"Like what?" Ian asked, tilting his head, as his eyes scanned her body.

Justice might as well have fluffed up her feathers for the obvious enjoyment she got out of his appraisal. " I dunno. A tattoo, or a piercing maybe... Lyra has to come with me and help me decide," she said, giving him a meaningful look.

The two were idiots if they thought that I didn't notice that this was a ruse to make me feel better. And because I was grateful that they were good enough friends to do so, I went along with it.

"I guess I could come."

"Great!" said Justice, jumping to her feet. She latched onto my arm and dragged me to mine. "Maybe you will get something too."

Not likely.

The walk up to the tattoo parlor did not help my sore body, but I didn't complain. Justice was jabbering on the whole time about how she wanted a tattoo of a dream catcher on her lower calf. I hummed and hawed, but I didn't see the point in getting a tattoo. Even if we got tomorrow off, it would still be sensitive for the next day of fighting.

"What can I help you ladies with?" A man whose every inch of skin except for his face was covered with tattoos asked.

Justice's jaw hung agape as her eyes traced the tat of a topless mermaid covering his bicep. I elbowed her in the side, "She wants a tattoo."

Justice nodded, and began describing exactly what she wanted. I tuned out the conversation and walked around the shop looking at various pictures. In some ways they reminded me of the art books Alexander and I would go over. Which slightly surprised me as I never really considered that Dauntless would appreciate art before- they all seemed to hard to allow for artistic appreciation. But I suppose to tattoo art onto your body permanently must allow for some sort of emotional attachment. But then again a half naked mermaid didn't really scream 'artistic expression' as much as 'I like tits'.

I briefly glanced over at the pair when I heard the buzzing of another needle start up, but when Justice didn't cry out in pain, I continued my exploration. And that's when I found it. Tucked away in a little book, a tattoo that I could picture residing on my body. And I promised myself that after all this was over I would get it.

"Lyra, look!" Justice squealed.

I turned and saw a dainty dream catcher inked on her leg, just above her left ankle. It was swollen and bleeding slightly, but it suited her. "Looks great," I said smiling.

Justice gushed about the tattoo all the way back to the dormitory, and I let her. Because part of me knew that she was doing this to distract me from sullen thoughts.

"I guess it won't take long to get ready for the party seeing as we have nothing to wear," she said rooting through the box of clothes we all kept under our cots.

Two long sleeve black shirts, a tank top, two pairs of paint on black pants, two sports bras, and a full weeks worth of underwear. That was what Dauntless had bequeathed us.

I lounged on my cot trying to ignore the persistent spring digging into my back, as Justice tried on each of her shirts three times. "Just wear the black one," I said smirking.

She threw one of her pairs of pants at me huffing. I chuckled, but closed my eyes and begun to doze off, catching that nap that I lied about taking earlier. I hissed in pain when a rough hand shook me awake, jarring my sore shoulder.

"Sorry," Justice said, her hands quickly surrendering, "but I don't think you're supposed to sleep this much with a concussion, even if you did take meds."

I scowled slightly, my lie to get Justice out of the infirmary obviously backfiring.

"What do you think?" Justice asked. She was wearing the black tank top she favored and the same black pants, but her eye makeup was applied smokier than usual.

"You look very nice," I complimented. She could have been wearing Abnegation rags and still look amazing.

Justice smiled, but then sighed in exasperation as she tried to adjust the straps of her tank top. "I wish they gave us more than sports bras. I need all the help I can get up top, and these things just flatten the little I have."

I tried to roll my eyes, but the one still hurt too much. "You're gorgeous, stop complaining."

"Easy for you to say, you have boobs that are actually noticeable."

I offered her a flat look, "At least you don't have to go to the party sporting a black eye."

Justice winced, "Have you taken a look at yourself yet? Because a bunch of blood vessel popped- probably when you were napping in the infirmary, half of your black eye is red."

I grimaced. Great. "I don't want to see it."

Justice shifted nervously, "I'd offer to do your makeup, but I don't think that's a good idea." I snorted and she smiled, "On the bright side this is Dauntless, they will probably think your badass!"

"For losing?"

The look Justice gave me clearly stated that she was sick of my pity fest. "You lost one fight to an opponent that was bigger and stronger than you. You'll win the next one. Get over it."

I sighed. It was easy for her to say, she won her fight. But I had to stick to my new resolve. I wanted that tattoo, and the only way to get it was passing. I wasn't going to be factionless. There would be no more losing. So I raised my sore body off my cot and followed an excited Justice down to the Pit.

The Pit was teaming with life. Loud music pumped out of the speakers, the bass like a heartbeat. Coloured lights were the only thing illuminating the space- just like I predicted. All around me people were holding alcohol and either talking (yelling) near the Dauntless flame, (which seemed very dangerous, but I guess that's the point) or dancing. And when I say dancing, they were grinding all over each other in what looked like a clothed form of foreplay. I had to admit I was intrigued. This was nothing like to closed- door policy of Erudite.

"Come on, I see Ian," Justice said, pulling my arm.

Ian was standing with a crowd of people that looked to be the same age as us. I recognized Henry and Marina standing with him.

"What's she doing with them," Justice said, when she too spotted Marina.

I shrugged, "Probably doesn't know anyone else here."

"Hey," Justice said, coming to a stop beside Ian.

"Hey Jay," Ian smiled, he dark eyes dancing as he took her in. "Meet Ivy, Silas, Marco and Sienna. They're Dauntless born initiates."

They all stood out much more than us with Ivy's platinum blonde hair, Silas' two lip piercings, Marco's blue spiked hair and Sienna's heavy eyeliner. But they all seemed nice enough, despite their rather contradictory appearances.

"Nice eye," Ivy said tilting her head curiously at me, "how'd you get it?"

I figured that this was one of those questions designed to test my reaction. As it was clear how I got it. All the initiates began fighting today. "I was punched," I simply said.

Henry shifted awkwardly, and Ivy dropped the subject.

As the group shouted at each other in order to be heard over the music, I let my eyes flitter around. I spotted two women furiously kissing against a wall, a fist fight brewing near the Dauntless fire and Four drinking with some older people. These were all such foreign sights to me.

I had never witnessed an openly same sex couple before. My eyes were drawn to the women. One had bottle red hair and the other a black mohawk. Their foreheads were fused together and they traded words after breaking their kiss. They looked just as passionate as any other heterosexual couple, and even though I wasn't used to such open displays of affection, I couldn't help but wonder why some factions had a problem with couples like them. Erudites in particular were not accepting of homosexuality- relationships were acknowledged for the sole purpose of procreating, and to engage in one otherwise was seen as pointless and a distraction from their real love lives- work.

And as for the dancing mob, I didn't know whether to be intrigued or disgusted at such open displays of sexuality. After having tasted desire I knew that there were moments where you felt like your skin was on fire you wanted someone so badly. But never had I lost so much control over myself that I had engaged in any public acts, especially since Alexander was off limits. But their rough and yet strangely fluid movements was oddly compelling.

And finally spotting Four talking and laughing with people who were obviously his friends was a strange sight. I had never seen our gruff instructor with anything other than furrowed brows or a frown of concentration. This looser side of Four was almost comical, but I turned away so he wouldn't catch me looking.

When my focused returned to my social group I noticed that I had mostly been abandoned. Justice and Ian were dancing (which was almost funny to watch because of their height difference), Ivy and Silas were making out, and everyone else except for Henry and Sienna seemed to have gone on a quest to get drinks. My eyes still felt heavy, and the thumping music was starting to give me a headache.

I tapped on Henry's shoulder interrupting his conversation, "I'm going to head back to the dorms. Can you let Justice know?"

A concerned look crossed his face, "Are you sure? You're doing okay right?"

I smiled, "I'm fine, just tired. I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow." And with that final statement Henry looked like a weight had been lifted off of him. An assurance that I didn't hold our fight against him.

I turned and left the party, the thumping music rattling the floors less and less as I trekked upstairs. But I wasn't really tired, so I decided to do the one thing I had been longing to. I was going to find a gym, and I was going to run.

It took maybe twenty minutes of poking my head into different rooms before I found the gym on one of the top floors. It was barren, which made sense as all of the usual patrons were probably down at the party. But that suited me perfectly, as I wasn't quite sure if I was allowed to be in here. I walked towards a treadmill, and looked it over. It was simpler than the ones in Erudite. I then look down at my boot- clad feet. These would not do. So I shucked off the black leather boots and stepped onto the tread with my bare feet. I may get calluses, but it would be worth it.

As the machine started up, and my legs started to move I finally felt a cathartic sort of release within me. All of the thoughts that had been nagging at my mind were available for me to analyze in depth, or dismiss. And think I did. I thought about my family- how we were never close so losing me would not take long for them to get over. And I in turn would find my new family within this faction. I thought about Alexander, my mind straying to couples at the party. My body ached for his touch again. Every part of me missed him… Was he angry with me? Did he miss me? Had he moved on?

My legs were pumping furiously now and I felt sweat clinging to my back. In one simple move, I shucked my shirt over my head leaving me in just my sports bra and pants. The garment landed with a thump on the ground, but I had hardly noticed, my mind gone again. But my body was aching, and it was hard to completely free myself when so many limbs felt like they were on fire.

"What are you doing in here grunt?" a voice questioned from close behind me.

I shrieked and nearly fell off the treadmill. Thankfully I caught the side bar, or else I would have added more damage to my injuries and to my ego. I hit the pause button, and turned around wiping sweat out of my eyes. But my body froze in shock at who stood in front of me, and I felt my stomach plummet to my knee. Eric's pierced eyebrow was cocked in question.

"Running," I quietly replied, and wondered if he would get me in trouble for once again stating the obvious. My mouth felt dry from exertion and now nervousness. Being in his presence made me feel like a mouse waiting for the cat to pounce.

Eric stepped forward crowding my space, which was an incredible feat seeing as the treadmill raised me off the ground. With the machine's boost I was still only at neck level with him. "I can see that," his gravelly voice mocked. "What I want to know is why?"

"I like running," I said before turning back around. My heart was pumping with more than just exertion now as I brushed him off. I don't know what was making me act so rashly. My hand reached out, fingers just brushing against the start button, when two giant hands cupped my waist and spun me around.

His grey eyes were narrowed into irritated slits. "How did you find this place?"

I shrugged, and focused on where his neck tattoo peaked out of the collar of his black wife-beater. "Looked around until I found it."

"And if you hadn't found the gym what would you of done?" he questioned, and I noticed that his eyes were not scanning my rather bare body. No, they were fixed on my black and red eye.

I remained silent. I knew what my answer was. I would have snuck out in the middle of the night and taken off when I reached my breaking point. Even if security caught me, I couldn't have managed with everything bottled up so long. I knew better than to tell him that though.

In a surprisingly gentle motion one finger cupped my chin and tilted my face up so I was staring into his grey eyes. "You're full of all kinds of secrets aren't you?" he whispered, his grip on my chin turning into a vice.

I didn't cry out, or give any indication that he was hurting me. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of witnessing more of my weakness.

He leaned in closer and I felt like my whole body collectively froze in dreaded anticipation of what he was going to do. Eric's large frame made me feel like a cornered animal, and his menacing personality almost made me want to strike out in response. Instead he reached over my shoulder and pressed the start button. The treadmill whirled to life and I stumbled for a minute before turning around and running.

"Next time you fight, don't hesitate. I don't care if you are facing off against your mother, you take your opponent down as quick as you can, in any way that you can," Eric said, his voice sitting close to my ear. My body felt as if electrical currents were stretched between where he was in proximity to me. I tilted my head and caught his form retreating out of my peripherals. "And grunt," Eric said as he stood in the door way; I turned around to look at him, "I'll be watching you."

When he disappeared from the room I felt the tightness in my body sag. New thought exploded in my head like fire works. How did he know I was keeping secrets? Why would he help me? How did I manage to capture one of the most dangerous men in Dauntless' attention? And what did it mean 'I'll be watching you.' With a confused sigh I pressed a button, turning the speed of the track up.

A/N: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. This is my longest chapter yet! And we now have our first interaction with Eric and Lyra. It was short, but important in the long scheme of things.

In the book they mention a lot of 'new' rules like not being able to concede, but I'm making it so that rule hasn't been instated yet.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I really love hearing from you, and take into mind all of your thoughts when writing! Please continue to drop a line!

: ) Nyx