Eric Lets Go

Chapter 21

**ERIC'S POV**

I roam the quiet, deserted areas of Dauntless because I have nothing better to do. I haven't eaten much today and I've had very little interaction with people.

I start to walk a little quieter when I hear laughter and the sounds of spray cans. I peer around the corner and see a group of 4 teenagers spray painting the walls of this hallway.

"Hey!" I yell, coming around the corner. The kids stop, and try to make a run for it. Except, one kid tripped and I got him in time. I grab his shirt and pin him to the wall. "You think this is funny!?" I growl in his face.

The kid stays silent.

"What's your name?"

He swallows before saying, "Uriah."

"Well, Uriah, I can't think of a single reason why I shouldn't make you factionless. They like doing this type of stuff out there," I growl in his face.

He gulps and fear flashes through his eyes. It's at that moment where I realize this is what is keeping me from Sophia. This is the attitude she hates.

I drop the boy and spit out, "Go," he hesitates a second so I continue, "Now! Before I change my mind!" He sprints down the hall and I let out a loud sigh. If this is what I have to do to get Sophia back and actually keep her this time, I'll do it.

I get back to my apartment and there is an envelope taped to my door. Confused, I take it off and rip it open once I'm inside.

Eric, meet me at my office asap. I have some pretty great news!
-Max

I arrive at Max's office still confused on what could possibly be so great. I knock and hear a faint, "Come in!"

I open the door and take a seat. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes!" Max exclaims. "We have some very good news on Corey."

"Did you find him?" I ask eagerly.

"We did, indeed. In fact he's being held in a room in Dauntless right now. We found him lurking the streets of factionless," He explained.

"Alright, so what now?"

"Well. That's why you're here. I know you and him have a rough history, so I'm letting you choose his fate."

When he said this I was a little shocked. I mean, I had just gained leadership and have no experience with choosing a punishment for people. But at the same time, I was quite excited because this was an open opportunity to just kill him.

"Wait," I remembered how I'm suppose to be acting, "can you give me a couple days to think about this."

Max gives me a contorted look, "What is there to think about?"

"Um, I just want to make the right choice, of course," I stutter out.

He sighs, "You have 2 days, Eric," he held up 2 fingers, "I hope you make the right decision."

"Thank you," I stand up and shake his hand, "I hope so too."

I leave and make my way to the pit. I could use a few beers. Before I get there I bump into Lauren.

"Where are you goin, big guy?" She asks.

"No where," if she knows I'm going to the bar she won't let me take another step.

She narrows her eyes at me. "You dumbass. You're going to the bar."

Before I can say anything else she grabs my arm and drags me the opposite way.