Chapter 36: Tris

Eric pins Tris against a wall in Dauntless headquarters after she followed him from Erudite. When Uriah appears, Tris improvises, claiming she is fifteen and hasn’t chosen, and that she snuck to Erudite to see her brother. Eric, unable to reveal his own movements, lets her go with a warning.

Uriah pulls Tris aside, demands an explanation, and, assuming she is no longer Abnegation, presses her about her purpose. Tris claims she is there to see Four. Uriah leads her to the tattoo shop, where Tris slips behind a curtain and finds Four mid-session with Tori.

Alone with Four, Tris asks to see his tattoo and observes an intricate design intertwining all five faction symbols, signaling his ambivalence toward Dauntless exclusivity. They note that such an image would be controversial. Four admits he does not value only bravery, hinting at broader loyalties.

Tris reveals she tailed Eric from Erudite and informs Four that Eric met privately with Jeanine, an unusual breach of protocol. Four offers no clear reason, and questions Tris’s motives, suspecting Evelyn’s involvement. Tris admits Evelyn encouraged contact but insists this visit is her choice.

Recognizing their imbalance of secrets, Tris chooses vulnerability. She asks about Four’s role administering fear simulations and decides to trust him by offering to reveal her fears, signaling a turning point in their alliance.