Глава 5. As soon as I walk into the doors of the training room, I find myself drenched in dread and anxiety

As soon as I walk into the doors of the training room, I find myself drenched in dread and anxiety. On the chalkboard are two names written beside each other that reflexively make my palms sweat and my heart beat faster. Two names that represent two people who couldn't possibly be more physically different than the other. Tris and Peter. By the looks of it, Eric is trying to kill the initiates before they are initiated.

The doors of the training room swing open as the initiates start to pile in. My eyes instinctively find Tris's face, who stops mid-step when she sees the pairings written on the board. I know she has no chance against Peter, and she knows that as well.

The first fight of the day is between Molly and Edward. They step into the arena while everyone else gathers around it. I take a step back and lean against the wall.

Molly and Edward have both proven yesterday that they are good fighters, but Edward is more agile, giving him the upper hand. By the end of the fight, Molly is only half conscious, trying to peel herself off of the floor with no success.

I watch Tris and Peter make their way to the arena. Peter, his face full of smugness, and Tris, growing paler with each step. Even from where I stand, I can hear Peter's remarks.

" You okay there, Stiff? " he says. " You look like you're about to cry. I might go easy on you if you cry."

I glower at him even though he can't see me. Looks like he still hasn't learned when to keep his mouth shut. Behind me, Eric taps his foot, as if to remind not just me, but everyone of his presence in the room.

Peter brings his hands up to his face and bends his knees, like a cat ready to spring.

" Come on, Stiff, " he pushes. " Just one little tear. Maybe some begging."

Tris attempts to kick him in the side, but he grabs her foot and yanks it forward. Tris smacks into the floor but scrambles up quickly.

" Stop playing with her, " snaps Eric. " I don't have all day."

In a flash, Peter punches Tris's jaw, sending her reeling to the side of the arena. He darts in front of her before she's able to regain her balance, and kicks her hard in the stomach. Tris lies on the floor, trying to push herself up, but Peter is one step ahead of her. He grabs her hair with one hand, and punches her in the nose with the other. I flinch. Blood pours down her face instantly. She tries to fend him off by slapping his arms, but her feeble attempt doesn't work. He punches her again, this time in the ribs, and shoves her to the ground.

I don't know how, but she manages to drag herself to her feet. Peter spins around her and hits her from the side, which almost knocks her over again.

Tris reaches out and punches Peter, her fist making contact with his side. Peter barely even groans. Instead, he smacks her ear with the flat of his palm, laughing under his breath while doing so.

I can't take it anymore. I shove the door open and storm out. I don't want to just stand there and watch Peter beat the living daylight out of Tris, but that's all I can do. Truthfully, I don't even know what I'm going to do out here. Certainly, leaving Eric in charge isn't a great idea, but I can't stand to watch Tris get hurt without feeling the need to protect her.

What's going on with me?

Not even a minute has passed when I hear it. The high screech coming from the training room that makes my heart jump to my throat.

I rush through the doors to see Peter kicking Tris, who is lying on the floor. His foot slams into her side again and again, and that's when I snap.

" Enough! " I yell.

Peter snaps his head around, foot hanging mid air, wearing a look of triumph on his face that I surely would have wiped off if Eric wasn't in the room.

I shoot both Peter and Eric a look of disgust, then walk over to Tris, gently slide my arms under her neck and legs and carry her off to the infirmary.