And he’s right to say that every faction loses something when it gains a virtue: the Dauntless, brave but cruel; the Erudite, intelligent but vain; the Amity, peaceful but passive; the Candor, honest but inconsiderate; the Abnegation, selfless but stifling.

Not like Tobias, who is almost shy when he smiles, like he is surprised you bothered to look at him in the first place.

Then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames.

Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up. I've seen it. It's fascinating." He releases me but doesn't pull away, his hand grazing my jaw, my neck. "Sometimes I just...want to see it again. Want to see you awake.

I should wonder what courage—which is the virtue they most value—has to do with a metal ring through your nostril.

I have your back. I didn't mean only when it's easy. All the time.

Desperation can make a person do surprising things.