Inferno

Chapter 36: Salutem

Oh shit, guys. We're nearly at the end.

I'm not sure if I should write one more chapter or jump straight to the epilogue. What would you guys like? I need feedback to survive.

At the end of this story I will post another part that will be a poll on what my next book should be. I have a few ideas, but you guys are the ones who read it so you'll make the final decision.

Lots of Crystal and Eric in this chapter. Let me know what you think of it!

Love you!

~Caruscus

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"Make sure you eat all your breakfast, honey."

A slim, pale hand brushes a few strands of hair away from my face and back to the bun at the base of my head. I put another spoonful of cereal into my mouth, chewing it methodically.

"We leave for school in three minutes, Crys."

I stop my chewing and look up at my older brother, Tobias, who's situating the papers in his side bag. He pauses and looks back at me, a small smile flitting across his features before he stands and walks out of the room.

"Make sure you stop and help Mrs. Myers on the way home, honey."

"Yes, Mama."

The same hand cups my cheek gently, and I look up to see my once lively mother now watching me with sad eyes. Her entire figure is pale and weak, the epitome of neglect.

I place the spoon back in my bowl and walk to my room to grab my school bag. Tobias is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes watching his surroundings carefully.

Tobias takes my tiny hand in his and together we walk to the front door. Mama holds it open for us, a small smile at the corners of her mouth the only goodbye we get.

"Fucking hell!" A shout sounds from inside, and then the door is shut. I hear a crash and stiffen in the walkway, tears threatening to pool in my eyes.

Tobias grips my hand tighter and pulls me along, tugging me into his side. I sniffle, but I don't cry.

"I bet Mrs. Myers will have some cookies after school."

I appreciate how Tobias tries to change the subject. I don't know what I'm going to do when he leaves in two years. I don't know how Mama and I will make it without him.

"I hope she does." I say back quietly.

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When we get home there are people everywhere. Some are standing on our front lawn, some are standing to the side, afraid to get too close, and then some are in the house.

He's sober for once. He's cleaned up in his leader clothing, his fake personality on full display. There are tears in his eyes, and when Tobias and I walk in, he rushes over to gather us in his arms. We both stiffen, not sure what's going on. He doesn't touch us, at least not in this way.

He's sobbing out words that I can barely understand. "She-she's gone...gone..."

Who's gone?

He releases Tobias and I, and I step back into my brothers side, accepting his comforting arm that holds me close to him.

A man dressed all in black, who I'm guessing is from Dauntless, walks over to Tobias and I.