Allegiant

The factions have divided us, but now we will be united. Now, and forever.”

Tris’s fingers slide between mine. Everything comes easily this morning, every smile and every laugh, every word and every motion.

I am too strong to break so easily, and I become better, sharper, every time I touch him.

He lies down next to me, and I run my fingers over the flames wrapping around his rib cage. He is strong, and lithe, and certain.

And he is mine

He smiles, a small, shy smile. Then he puts his hands on my waist and draws me toward him. He bends down and kisses between his fingers and whispers “beautiful” against my stomach.

And I believe him.

I look at him, too, but everything I see makes me feel worse—he is so handsome, and even the black ink curling over his skin makes him into a piece of art. A moment ago I was convinced that we were perfectly matched, and maybe we still are—but only with our clothes on

He looks at me, not like he’s waiting for an explanation, but like I am the only thing in the room worth looking at.

“That you’re whole, that you’re worth loving, that you’re the best person I’ve ever known

“You know what the Abnegation used to say about pride?”

“Something unfavorable, I assume.”

I laugh. “Obviously. They said it blinds people to the truth of what they are.”

“She said that everyone has some evil inside them, and the first step to loving anyone is to recognize the same evil in ourselves, so we’re able to forgive them.”