A Sliver Of Light in The Night Sky

Chapter 1

The brush slid easily through my hair. I was glad I'd conditioned it three extra times, even if it took longer. The mirror I stand in front of reflects me, with my caramel hair and blue-grey eyes, and my room, painted a dull blue, the carpet a cadet shade of blue. The double bed was a perfect shade of gray-toasted lavender, with blue pillows. I hear a knock at the door and hold the brush in one hand like a weapon, though I doubt I would need it. I was right, it's my brother Caleb, who is tall with dark-hair and fake glasses.

"Hey, Beatrice!" Caleb exclaimed, I made face.

"Why do you have to be so happy all the time?" I asked.

"It keeps my complexion clear." Caleb said innocently. After a minute of trying not to we burst into laughter. "I came to make sure you were awake. I didn't want you to be late to school," he said after we finished laughing.

"Please, Caleb," I said, a wave of annoyance coloring my eyes, "Am I ever late?"

"No," Caleb smiled, and backed away, grabbing his gigantic backpack and trooping down the stairs. I grabbed my own backpack, a normal-sized purple one, and slung one strap over my shoulder. On my way out the door, I grabbed an orange.

The walk to school was uneventful. I switched off between jogging and walking, peeling the orange and throwing the peelings onto the dirt. When I get to school I grab my morning books and head outside to the willow tree. The tree is as tall as the second-floor science classroom and I have to duck under the vines to sit against the trunk. A girl with coffee-dark skin and hair and determined eyes stands next to me. I nod at her.

"Hey Christina," I say, and only then does the girl smile.

"Hey, Tris."

That's how it works with my gang; I acknowledge them first, and then they are free to talk. I am the leader.

Will, another newer member of my gang comes up and stands next to me as well. I nod at him and he settles back, grabbing Christina's hand with a lazy expression.

The next person to arrive to our meeting place is Uriah, a darker-skinned, trigger-happy daredevil who always has a smile on his face. Next comes Marlene, who has a crush on Uriah, but either he doesn't notice her flirtations, or he ignores them. Last to arrive is Al. Al is a gentle-giant type, who doesn't fight, but is good for intimidation purposes. This is my gang.

"So, Uriah, how goes Anderson?" I ask, naming one of my rival towns.

"Well, you know Susan," Uriah says, momentarily replacing his lazy expression for a more irked one, "Stubborn as a bull, that one."

"Don't I know," I thought. Susan is my brother's crush. She is also a wolfblood, a sort of reformed werewolf that turns during full moons, at will, and in heightened emotional situations.

"Will, what about Redding?" I ask naming another rival group.

"They haven't shown up to our meetings lately," Will says frustratedly, "The last time I saw them only this one puny kid showed himself, wanting a fight this Friday."

"Lovely," I mumbled.

"Oh, Susan wants a peace treaty on Wednesday," Uriah announces.

"Today is Wednesday," He nods, "Dammit, Uriah! When I ask for info, I want a full report!" I growl through clenched teeth.

"I know, I know, I just forgot."

"Last Friday was when you met with them last!"

"Yeaaah."

"Fine. Whatever. Be on time with me next time." I snap.

"Mmm-hmm, of course." The bell rings, and I straighten up and head towards the main building.