Stolen faith - Tobias Eaton/Divergent

09

The night was cool and dark, the moon casting a silvery glow over the Dauntless compound.
The initiates stood in a huddle, their breath visible in the chill air as they listened to the instructions for the night's game of capture the flag. The excitement and nervous energy were palpable, each of them eager to prove their worth.

Four stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Alright, everyone, listen up," he called out, his voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. "Tonight's exercise is capture the flag. You'll be split into two teams. The goal is to find and capture the opposing team's flag while defending your own."

The initiates nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation.

Four and Eric began choosing their teams, alternating picks as they scanned the crowd for potential strengths.

When it was Four's turn again, his eyes locked onto Lilah. "Lilah, you're with me," he said, his tone demanding, making Eric send him a mocking glare.

Lilah felt a surge of adrenaline and pride as she stepped forward, joining Four's side. She could feel the eyes of the other initiates on her, some curious, others envious. Four's choice meant he saw potential in her, a belief she was determined to prove right.

With the teams formed, Four gathered his group around him. "Alright, here's the plan," he began, outlining their strategy. "We'll split into two groups. One will search for the flag, and the other will stay back to defend ours. Stay alert, move quickly, and communicate. Got it?"

The team nodded in agreement, their focus sharpening. Lilah found herself assigned to the search group, her heart pounding with excitement.
Four's confidence in her was a boost she hadn't realized she needed.

They moved out into the night, the darkness wrapping around them like a cloak. The terrain was rough and uneven, perfect for a game that demanded both stealth and speed. Lilah's eyes adjusted to the low light, scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.

"Stick close," Four whispered, his presence reassuring beside her. "We'll take the high ground and look for any signs of the flag. Remember, speed and silence."

They crept through the shadows, their footsteps barely audible on the soft ground. Lilah's senses were heightened, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs putting her on edge. But alongside the tension was a thrill, a rush of excitement that made her feel more alive than she had in years.

As they neared a cluster of trees, Four signaled for them to halt. "Hold on," he whispered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. "There, do you see it?"

Lilah followed his gaze, spotting a faint glimmer of light reflecting off something metallic in the distance. "The flag," she breathed, excitement bubbling up inside her.

Four nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Let's move. But stay low and quiet."

They advanced, their movements fluid and synchronized. As they got closer, Lilah could see the flag more clearly, a beacon in the darkness. But it was also guarded, shadows moving around it, indicating the presence of the opposing team.

"Alright, this is where it gets tricky," Four murmured, his eyes flicking between the guards and his team. "We'll need a distraction. Lilah, can you create a diversion on the right? Draw their attention away so we can grab the flag."

She nodded, her heart racing. "Got it."

She moved off to the side, positioning herself behind a thick tree. Taking a deep breath, she picked up a rock and hurled it into the bushes on the opposite side. The rustling noise caught the attention of the guards, who immediately turned to investigate.