We don't need you as an ally. We're Dauntless. -Tori

I feel the monster of grief again, writhing in the empty space where my heart and stomach used to be. I gasp, pressing both palms to my chest. Now the monstrous thing has its claws around my throat, squeezing my airway. I twist and put my head between my knees, breathing until the strangled feeling leaves me.

My mother told me once that we can't survive alone, but even if we could, we wouldn't want to. Without a faction we have no purpose and no reason to live.

It reminds me why I chose Dauntless in the first place: not because they are perfect, but because they are alive. Because they are free.

Caleb runs up to me and folds me carefully in his arms. I breathe a sigh of relief. I thought I had gotten to the point where I didn’t need my brother anymore, but I don’t think such a point actually exists.

I suppose everything is bound to look different when you aren't on your way to die.

Who cares about pretty? I'm going for noticeable.