His Amity | Eric Coulter x Original FMC |

Chapter Eleven

The next day, Lia wakes up feeling anxious about training. Once again, she finds herself back in the simulation room. Sitting in the chair, she takes a deep breath as Four injects her with the serum. The familiar sensation of drifting off overtakes her, and she is plunged into her fears once more.

This time, the simulations seem even more intense. She faces the same terrifying scenarios: being bound in the field with the tractor approaching, feeling invisible and isolated among her friends, and reliving the brutal attack from Kai. Each time, Lia manages to pull herself out by reminding herself that it isn't real.

When she finally jolts awake, she sees Four watching her closely. "What was my time?" she asks, breathless and shaky.

Four's expression is one of concern. "Six minutes," he replies, his voice low. "The best in the training class."

A smile tugs at Lia's lips, but it quickly fades as she notices Four's worried look. "How do you get out of the simulation?" he asks, leaning in slightly.

"I just tell myself it's not real," Lia answers, her voice steady.

Four nods, then asks a question that sends a jolt of fear through her. "What were your aptitude test results?"

"Dauntless," Lia responds, her heart pounding. She hopes her voice sounds more confident than she feels.

"Are you sure?" Four presses, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yes," she insists, trying to mask her growing anxiety.

He motions for her to leave, but just as she stands up, he speaks again, his tone serious. "Just so you know, Dauntless can't pull themselves out of the simulation. They have to overcome their fears to get out. Be careful."

Lia leaves the room, her mind racing. Four's warning hangs heavy in the air. She knows he suspects something, and the knowledge that she might be exposed as Divergent fills her with dread.

Lia heads to the dining hall to catch up with her friends. As she enters, Marlene and Christina rush up to her, their faces beaming with excitement. "Congratulations!" Marlene exclaims, hugging her.

Lia looks confused. "For what?"

"You've moved up to second place!" Christina says, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "You've kicked Peter out of second, so now you're right behind Edward."

Lia's eyes widen, and she turns to look at the rankings board. It's true—her name is now in the second spot. A swell of pride fills her, and she shares the moment with her friends, grinning from ear to ear. However, the joy is short-lived as Peter approaches, his expression stormy.

"How are you doing so well in the simulations?" he demands, his voice filled with suspicion.

"I just face my fears," Lia replies calmly, though she can see he doesn't believe her. He scoffs and walks away, joining Edward and a few other initiates.

"Peter! Wait—" she calls to him, and he completely ignores her. Back to whispering with his new friends.

Christina puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Forget him. He's just annoyed you kicked him out of second place."

Lia nods, Christina and Marlene head to their usual table and Lia heads to the food line, grabbing a tray and starting to load up on breakfast. As she's reaching for some fruit, she hears a familiar voice call her name. She turns around and sees Archer striding towards her. Her heart leaps, and she drops her tray, running to him. She jumps into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as he holds her up.

They both laugh as he sets her down. "You look so strong," Archer says, beaming at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm off wall duty," he replies. "Back in the control room."