Dauntless Rising

Pain

Alex's POV

Everything happened in slow motion. I woke up from the simulation and watched a bullet, traveling from the gun in my own hand, make contact with Ana's stomach.

I watched her fall and hit the pavement.

I heard someone scream, a gut-wrenching, blood curdling scream of agony. I later realized it was me.

I had killed Ana. The love of my life. I couldn't even remember the last words I said to her, only that they were words of hate.

I ran to Ana, grabbed her up and held her close. I cried harder than I ever knew was possible. It seemed to come straight from my heart.

I saw Ara run towards her sister. Her sister that I killed.

She shoved me aside and grabbed Ana, wrapping her wound. She placed two fingers on Ana's neck and screamed something. I didn't hear what she said. I could only focus on the pain. The pain. It was unbearable.

I saw Tris and Four and a few other people come running through and Ara whispered something to Tris. She nodded.

"I know a place."

Ara, James, Angie, Evan, Melody and Tris and her group took off running, Four carrying Ana. I should be the one carrying her. But I didn't deserve to carry her, to touch her, to even be near her.

We jumped on the train and I sat down next to James. I looked across the train. Angie had her head buried in Evan's shirt and her shoulders were shaking violently. Because of Ana. Because of me.

Ara was stroking Ana's hair and applying pressure to her wound. James was rubbing her back. I stared at Ana's beautiful face. I couldn't believe she was dead. Ana, the fighter, couldn't be dead- it just seemed so unreal, so impossible.

Suddenly a thought occurred to me. I leaned over and whispered to Ara.

"Ana was Divergent. Wasn't she?" She hesitated and slowly nodded.

I put my head in my hands and sobbed. That's what she wouldn't tell me. She was trying to protect me. And I didn't believe her.

We reached the end of the line and jumped off the train.

I stood up and brushed myself off, staring at the ground. After a few seconds, I looked up to see where we were.

Amity.

AN: Yes, this is the end of the book!! Sorry if it was a little confusing, but I am continuing the story in my next book, Factionless Rising, and everything will be explained and resolved. I can't wait!! Thanks for reading. :)