It was late in the Dauntless infirmary, the sterile light casting a cold glow over the empty beds and medical equipment. You’d twisted your ankle in training, and the medic had left to find a brace, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

The silence shattered as the door creaked open, and Eric walked in, his expression unreadable. He leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, and his gaze settled on you like a weight. “So, this is where you end up after acting like you’re invincible?”

You didn’t back down. “I don’t remember asking for a lecture.”

He walked closer, his eyes narrowing. “You might need one if you’re already breaking yourself on the first round.” His tone was sharp, but there was something else there, something quieter and darker.

As he adjusted his stance, his shirt rode up, revealing a glimpse of ink across his lower back—a raven in flight, wings outstretched, black and fierce against his skin. The sight took you off guard, the unexpected vulnerability in such a cold, calculating person.

Eric noticed your gaze and his jaw tightened, but he didn’t move to hide it. “Curious?” His voice was dangerously low.

You met his eyes, fighting to keep your voice steady. “I didn’t think you were the type for… symbols.”

“It’s not for show,” he said, his tone softening, a flicker of something raw in his eyes. “It’s a reminder—no one comes here without a cost.”

Eric’s gaze hardened, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he took a step closer, his eyes never leaving yours as he reached for the hem of his shirt. In one smooth motion, he pulled it off, revealing the full tattoo etched across his back.

It was stunning—dark wings stretched over his shoulder blades, intricate feathers fanning out along his skin, a raven inked in deep black that seemed to come alive under the dim light. The bird’s eyes were piercing, locked in a determined gaze that matched Eric’s own, its fierce, unyielding presence an echo of him.