Shadows and Steel: An Eric Coulter Story

Chapter 1: The bonds of Leadership

Hiiii this is my first story on Wattpad and I hope everyone enjoys it

I do not own The Divergent movies or books, they belong to their original authors, I do however, own Abigail Hayes and any plot ideas for her and any other outside characters.

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Eric Coulter stood on the ledge of the Dauntless compound, his eyes scanning the city that stretched out beneath him. The wind whipped his blond hair, but his gaze was as steady and unyielding as steel. This was his domain, a world where strength and fearlessness ruled. Yet, there was one person who could penetrate that icy exterior, one who could see the softness he kept hidden beneath his cold, ruthless exterior. And that person
was Abigail Hayes.

"Abby," Eric muttered to himself, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was a name he never used in public, a secret between them, a rare sign of affection in a world where weakness was preyed upon. Only she could bring out this side of him, and only she could call him out when his arrogance took control.

"Eric," a voice called from behind him, soft yet commanding.

Eric turned, the smile gone, replaced by his usual hard expression. Abigail, or Abby as he alone called her, approached with her usual confident stride. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight braid, her sharp green eyes locked onto his. There was a fierce determination in her gaze that matched his own, and it was why they worked so well together. They were equals, something that Eric seldom found in anyone.

"What's the plan for the initiates?" Abby asked, coming to stand beside him. The ledge didn't intimidate her—nothing in this place did. She had grown up in Dauntless, just like him, and had earned her place as a leader through blood, sweat, and sheer force of will.

"Peter's group is next in line," Eric replied, his voice betraying none of the fondness he felt for her. "He's been causing trouble, as usual."

"Of course he has," Abby sighed, shaking her head. Her younger brother, Peter, had always been trouble. Arrogant, aggressive, with a need to prove himself that often led him into dangerous situations. She loved him, but she knew better than to let that cloud her judgment. In Dauntless, sentimentality could get you killed.

"Think he'll survive?" Eric asked, his tone light, but his eyes serious.

"He's a Hayes," Abby replied, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "He'll survive. He's stubborn enough."

Eric nodded. They both knew that stubbornness wasn't always enough in this world, but Peter had shown a level of cunning that set him apart from many of the other initiates. Still, he had a long way to go if he wanted to rise through the ranks, and neither Eric nor Abby would make it easy for him.

"Good," Eric said finally, his tone signaling the end of their discussion. "Let's see if he's smart enough to keep his head down during the simulations."

"Or if he'll do something stupid, like always," Abby added, though there was a note of concern in her voice.

Eric caught it and placed a hand on her shoulder. It was a rare gesture, one of the few times he allowed himself to show any softness in public. Abby looked up at him, and for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to lift.

"He'll be fine, Abby," Eric said, his voice low and reassuring. "And if he's not, he'll learn."

Abby nodded, taking comfort in Eric's words, though she knew better than to let it show too much. They had an image to maintain, after all. Two of the most feared leaders in Dauntless couldn't afford to be seen as anything less than unbreakable.