Intransigent - A Divergent Fanfic (A non Tobias and Tris book)

Chapter three

Chapter three 

"Oi! Frosty!"

I turn on my heels, raising an eyebrow as I saw the familiar, blond haired, muscular dauntless man walk towards me with a grim expression.

Rilo.

"Frosty? Really?" I sigh.

He ignores me, grabbing my arm. I bristle, suddenly feeling nervous. He leans in close, whispering in my ear. "Dauntless. Choose Dauntless."

We are at the choosing ceremony, and I'm out back, heading towards the sorting area. Well, I was but then I heard Rilo calling to me. I frown, furrowing my eyebrows.

"What--"

"You need to get out of Erudite" he grits. "You need to learn how to protect yourself. You're not safe."

I pull my arm out of his grip. "You sound insane. Im--"

"Winter. Trust me" he says softly.

I stare at him for a moment, but then he turns and walks away, shoulders hunched. I stare after him, eyebrows furrowed. I turn back around, heading back to the sorting area.

Choose Dauntless.

Why Dauntless?

~|~

"Winter Storm."

Breathe, breathe. Just breathe.

I step forward, keeping my gaze on the far wall behind the people seated in the crowd, staring at me. I ran a hand through my hair, avoiding Harlans Glasco's gaze. The man was in his late forties, his salt and pepper hair cut close to the sides but sticks up at the top. His clothes are grey and extremely modest. He held a dagger in his hand, and I gulp as I know what I have to do next. I take the blade from him, walking over to the five bowls that are placed before me. I take a deep breath.

Breathe, breathe...

Each bowl represents a faction. I ignore the other bowls, looking to the one with the soldering coals. Dauntless.

I press the blade to the skin on my arm, leaving it there for a moment. Then I drag it across my skin, hissing at the stinging sensation. Blood wells up, and I watch it for a moment, conflicted about what I should do.

Choose Dauntless.

I hold my hand over the bowl of hot coals, watching as a small drop runs from the cut, drips of my skin, and lands on the hot coals. It sizzles, and I swear that the whole room was frozen, holding in a shocked gasp. I look up, catching Garret and Ruth's gazes. They stare at me wide eyed, mouths agape. My mother looks like she's about to have a rage, her face red.

Harlan smiles, his brown eyes warm and kind. "Dauntless!"

The entire section of Dauntless, all cladded in black and leathers, stand and cheer, throwing hats and other things in the air in celebration. I can't help but smile, feeling warm inside of my chest. I look to Garrett and Ruth, and the smile on my lips turn to a smirk.

Take that, you idiots.

I am escorted off stage, and seated down in the Dauntless section. I bite my lip, watching a few more kids choose their faction. When the last kid chooses, Harlan stands at the front, a big smile on his face.

"Congratulations. Each faction is lucky to have you." he starts talking about other things, but I tune out, looking around to see if I can spot Rilo. I bite my lip, not seeing him anywhere.

Choose Dauntless.

I did. And now what? Im away from my horrid parents, but now what do I do? Am I even fit for Dauntless? Oh god, I don't think I could fit in!