Until Death Do Us Apart ? ???? ???????

 I woke up to the loud clang of pots and pans crashing against each other.

"One hour to get dressed, eat, and meet at the train. It doesn't wait for anyone!" Four's voice echoed through the dorm like a thunderclap.

I shot up from bed and immediately shook Christina awake. She groaned, rolling over with her eyes barely open.

"Come on," I said, already pulling on a sweatshirt. "It's the big day."

I sprinted to the bathrooms, took the fastest shower of my life, and scrubbed myself clean. Once I was out, I dressed in fresh Dauntless gear, brushed my teeth, and braided my hair into two tight French braids. I barely recognized myself in the mirror—nerves were buzzing under my skin like static electricity.

The cafeteria was already packed, but I grabbed a tray and loaded it with more food than I could probably eat. I made my way to our usual table and dropped down next to Will.

"Jesus, Jordan," he said, eyeing my plate. "Nervous?"

I paused mid-bite, cheeks puffed full of food. "Is it that obvious?" I mumbled through a mouthful.

He nodded. "Don't worry. You're gonna do great. We all will."

I gave him a grateful smile. Christina raised an eyebrow. "What should we do to kill time before the train?"

"I don't know about you," I said with a grin, standing up, "but I'm going to see Ericcc."

They both groaned and laughed, and I practically skipped out of the cafeteria and up the stairs.

I knocked on his door, and the second it opened, he pulled me inside and wrapped his arms around me. I melted into him.

"In exactly five hours," he whispered, "everyone's gonna know we're together."

"I know, angel," I murmured, eyes closing.

For once, for just a moment, I felt something close to peace.

"Hey, angel?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I see your arms?"

I hesitated, then stepped over to the couch. I pulled up my sleeves and held my arms out for him to see. He gently traced his fingers over the healing cuts. I winced.

"Sorry," he said quickly. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," I cut in softly. "And what I said the other day, about you being the reason for my cuts? That wasn't true. Not even close."

He cupped my cheek and kissed my forehead. "I'm so glad that's not true."

"We should go," I said, glancing at the clock. "We can't miss the train."

We left his apartment and jogged down the stairs. The train was already moving. I sprinted, grabbed onto the edge, and pulled myself up just in time. Eric landed right behind me.

"Where are we going anyway?" I asked Four as I caught my breath.

"Erudite," he replied without looking back.

Oh god.

The city felt colder than usual. Everyone jumped off the train and rolled onto the grass. I tried to do the same, but my landing was more awkward than graceful.

I stood, brushing dirt from my clothes, and we all made our way toward the enormous double doors of the Erudite building.

Eric caught up to me and wrapped me in a hug right there in front of everyone. "I won't see you until you're inside that room," he whispered. "But I love you so much. You've got this."