𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓 | WTM

𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆

RAHHH I WROTE A CHAPTER BE PROUD OF ME 🕺

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Ollie stepped out of the Dauntless compound, the cool air hitting her face as she made her way to the deserted train platform. The train sat empty and silent, its doors open like a waiting mouth. Without hesitation, she jumped aboard, taking a seat on the floor and curling her knees to her chest. Ollie stared out as the countryside blurred by, thoughts racing faster than the train itself.

When the train stopped, she stepped off and walked confidently into the sleek, glassy Erudite building, the hum of technology buzzing softly around her. There, approaching through the crowd, was Alex — his familiar face breaking into a warm smile the moment he spotted her.

"Ollie," he said, closing the distance between them.

Without a second thought, he pulled her into a hug, the relief and tension of the last few days melting away.

Harry grumbled under his breath, jealousy flickering in his eyes as he watched Alex wrap his arms around Ollie like a brother, a tightness in his chest he couldn't quite shake.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked, his voice low but concerned.

"I'm in trouble," Ollie admitted with a sigh. Alex led her away from the crown to a more secluded spot so they could talk in private. "I don't think I'm gonna make it at Dauntless. I don't fit in."

"You have to fit in there," Alex said, shaking his head.

"I can't," she said, running a hand through her hair, her usual sass softened by honesty. "I'm just... not like them."

Alex chuckled softly. "Who is? They're crazy."

"Maybe I can go back to Abnegation," Ollie murmured.

"You can't go back," Alex said firmly.

"I know, but—"

"They're never gonna let you do that."

Ollie frowned. "Who?"

"Erudite," Alex said, voice dropping. "They're not gonna let Abnegation break any more rules."

Ollie scoffed, crossing her arms. "They actually think they're running the government now?"

"They might be soon," Alex replied, eyes serious. "Erudite should be in charge, certainly not Abnegation,"

"Wait, hold on, Alex. How can you say that?"

"It's what all the other factions want now that Abnegation failed," Alex said quietly.

"No. That's just what they're telling you here," Ollie said firmly.

Alex hesitated, then leaned closer, voice barely above a whisper. "It's true."

"It's not true," Ollie said, her gaze steady.

A man nearby shushed them quickly. "It's not," Alex repeated softly.

"There are liars here," Ollie warned. "There are people who know how to manipulate you. You need to understand that."

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ollie, I think you should go."

"Faction before blood. Yeah?" she said, smirking despite the barely noticeable tears in her eyes.

Alex didn't answer, he just looked down in shame.