Beneath Her Armour

by PRM131313

Summary:

Set 18 months after ‘Beneath the Armour’, a new and stronger Éowyn navigates her life as the newly appointed special ops sergeant.

Not only does she have her ex lover-turned-enemy, Jeremy and his crime ring to take down, she also finds herself hunting down the most notorious serial killer in all of Candor history.

Throw in an unexpected move back to the Dauntless main compound, which opens up old wounds, Éowyn finds herself trying to cope with the hurricane of intense emotions that come with her life.

Plus, when she is expected to see and work with the very man who broke her heart in many different ways, she starts to realise she may not be as strong as she thought she was.

How will she cope? Can she stay true to herself and keep Eric at arms length? Or will she fall deeper?

Notes:

TW:

Violence and murder.
References to past domestic abuse.
Drug usage.

Chapter 1: Prologue

Prologue

14 months later…

 

The night was cloaked in silence, broken only by the hurried, uneven steps of a man tearing through the slums of Abnegation. He was grimy and hollow-eyed, dressed in ragged clothes, and clutching a rifle in shaking hands.

His breath came in frantic bursts as he twisted and turned down narrow alleys, the shadows swallowing him for brief moments before he moved into the light again. He knew he was being hunted, and fear was seeping into his every step.

As he turned sharply into an alley, hoping to lose his pursuers, a figure dropped from the balcony above, landing soundlessly just a few meters in front of him.

He froze. Standing before him was Éowyn Meyer, dressed in sleek black tactical gear, her handgun steady and aimed right at him. Her hair gently blew in the breeze as she stared at him, unwavering and as hard as steel.

“This is the end of the line” she said, her voice cold and resolute. “Jeremy’s not getting away with all the destruction he’s caused”.

The man’s lips twisted into a mocking grin, and he gave a short, humourless laugh. “ The revolution’s coming, sweetheart. Your little games won’t stop it.”

With that, he turned on his heel, darting back the other way. Éowyn immediately gave chase, her earpiece buzzing as she signaled her team. “ Perp’s on the move. Close in from the east and north”.

In response, her special ops task force, scattered through the labyrinthine alleyways, adjusted their positions, closing in like a tightening noose. Each member held their guns at the ready, eyes trained ahead as they methodically cut off every possible escape route.

Éowyn moved swiftly, her movements precise as she pursued the man through the twisting alleys.

Finally, she caught up to him, her pace unrelenting as she tackled him to the floor. But as she emerged from the narrow passageway with the perp securely cuffed, she stopped short.

They had entered a large, open square—one that was anything but empty.

Standing across the clearing were Jeremy and his allies, including Lucas, his eyes glinting with a familiar, twisted sneer.

Surrounding them was a horde of factionless fighters armed and ready. They formed a solid line behind Jeremy, dozens of faces lit with grim determination.

Éowyn’s team of 6 closed in from behind her, weapons raised, falling into a steady formation. She held her ground, her gaze steady as she met Lucas’s sneer with cold indifference. She felt no fear, only a hardened resolve.

“ This is it, Jeremy ” she called out, ignoring Jeremy’s lackey, Lucas. “ No more running. No more hiding. And no more murderous raids on unsuspecting factions”.

Jeremy gave a low chuckle, his voice dripping with disdain. “ You think you’re strong enough to beat me? You don’t know what strength is! Remember all the times I overpowered you? You’re just as weak as you were then”.

Memories of Jeremy’s constant beatings flooded her mind but she shook them away. That was in the past. She had grown stronger and more resilient.

Éowyn’s expression didn’t waver. “ If you want your man back, then quietly surrender. Make this easy on yourself”.

Jeremy glanced at Lucas, who flashed him a malicious grin before pulling out his pistol and, without hesitation, shot the man Éowyn had been chasing right through the head. The man’s body slumped to the ground, lifeless, as Jeremy turned his gaze back to Éowyn.

“ My men are disposable ” he said, voice cold. “ And so are you”.

Jeremy lifted his rifle to aim, but before he could squeeze the trigger, an echo of footsteps surrounded the square.

Reinforcements poured in—the whole of the special ops division, an army of trained operatives, outnumbering Jeremy and his factionless fighters. Weapons were raised on all sides, tension thick in the air.

Chaos erupted as both sides opened fire. Bullets sliced through the night, ricocheting off walls and finding their targets amidst the chaos. Factionless fighters and special ops operatives alike fell, caught in the brutal crossfire.

Éowyn fired steadily, taking down one after another, her movements instinctive and sure, until at last the square fell silent, littered with the fallen.

But when she looked around, Jeremy and Lucas were gone.

Éowyn cursed under her breath, the frustration flaring in her chest.

Her second-in-command, George, stepped up beside her, breathing heavily.

“ We’ll get ‘em eventually, Sarge” he said to Éowyn, his voice steady.

She took a long, steadying breath, pushing down her anger. She nodded. “ Yes. We will”.

Seeing her disappointment, George placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Just because you’re first pursuit as a Sergeant was a bust, doesn’t mean they’ll always be like this ” he said trying to alleviate her disappointment.

“ I know ” she nodded. She turns to look at her squad. “ Let’s get back to the precinct and write up the report. I expect Jeremy’s next move will be to recruit more factionless. Especially since we just took out a good portion of his soldiers”.

There was a chorus of ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘Aye Sarge’ as her team dispersed.

In that quiet moment, surrounded by the remnants of the fight, Éowyn felt the weight of the journey ahead.

 

***
When Éowyn stepped into her barracks on the outskirts of Dauntless, the weight of exhaustion settled over her like a heavy blanket.

She closed the door with a quiet click, tossing her keys into the bowl by the entrance. The metallic clink was oddly satisfying, a small release of tension she hadn’t noticed she’d been carrying.

Éowyn’s gaze drifted to the small mirror hanging on the hallway wall. She forced herself to look, though the reflection staring back seemed almost like a stranger.

Her skin looked pale under the dim lights, and there was a hollowness around her eyes that hadn’t been there before. Dark circles clung beneath them, souvenirs of sleepless nights spent chasing criminals through factions and hiding from her own thoughts.

Slowly, she reached up, pulling the elastic from her hair. It spilled down over her shoulders in loose waves, strands catching the light from the lamp and glinting with a dull sheen.

She ran her fingers through it absently, remembering the day she’d cut it short, letting it fall just above her shoulders.

She’d chopped it off days after she left the Dauntless main compound to start her special ops training, standing in front of the same mirror, scissors in hand, determined to start fresh.

New life, new me, she’d thought, each snip of the scissors punctuating her resolve.

But that felt so long ago now, almost like it had happened to someone else.

Her hair had grown fast, creeping down her back like ivy reclaiming a wall. It was nearly down to her elbows now, thick and unruly, as if mocking her attempt to reinvent herself.

She made her way to her bedroom, peeling off her jacket and letting it fall carelessly on the floor. With a long sigh, she sank onto her bed, feeling the mattress dip beneath her.

It had been over thirty-two hours since she’d last rested; she’d been so focused on her lead about Jeremy’s crime ring, the adrenaline had kept her going.

Every new clue, every chase from one faction to another—it was a relentless pursuit, and it consumed every part of her.

Eight months of this. Ever since she’d passed her 6 months training, Jeremy had become the shadow she couldn’t shake, the figure haunting her as she pushed deeper into the work. She was driven, not just by duty but by an unspoken resolve to leave the past behind.

And, in many ways, she had.

The raw physical and emotional wounds of Lucas’s attack, under Jeremy’s orders, had long since healed, the torment dulled by time and the focus of her work.

Even the heartache Eric had caused had become a distant ache rather than a consuming pain. Yet, in the quiet moments, his face sometimes still came to her unbidden, a ghost slipping through the cracks of her hardened resolve. As much as she tried to push his image away, it never disappeared.

She could never truly forget him. Not only had he stolen and then broken her heart in the most callous way, she still carried his mark on her spine. The beautiful stars and galaxies tattoo that he had expertly inked onto her skin. And along with it, came the tiara in the little heart, branding her as his Princess forever.

She hadn’t looked at the tattoo properly since leaving the main Dauntless compound those 14 months ago. Every now and then she would catch a glimpse of it when she passed by the mirror in the bathroom.

But she would never look twice. The memory was too painful.

She let out a frustrated breath, feeling the familiar pull to escape the restless memories.

Reaching into the bedside table, she withdrew a small syringe filled with a crimson liquid. The bliss serum, her quiet reprieve in the dead of night.

She wrapped the tourniquet around her arm, tightening it until her vein stood out, ready. Without hesitation, she injected the red liquid, watching it disappear beneath her skin.

The tourniquet was tossed aside, the syringe hidden once again in the drawer as she lay back, waiting.

The effects came quickly, a slow warmth spreading through her, relaxing her muscles, softening the edges of her mind.

The familiar flashes of Eric’s face tried to surface again, but this time they were softer, gentler, blurred by the haze of bliss washing over her. They drifted further and further from reach until, at last, they vanished altogether.

And then, the hallucinations began—her mind drifting into colours, lights, and impossible visions. Her body felt light, almost weightless, as if she were floating, every sensation heightened yet comforting. It was like slipping into a dream where the harsh lines of reality softened, and she could simply exist in a cocoon of warmth and relief.

She let herself sink into it, that all-consuming sensation of escape that the serum had offered her night after night, a balm to ease the ache she could never entirely outrun. Here, she could let go of everything, even if just for a moment, and forget the world waiting for her outside the barracks door.

 

Notes:

Here is the Prologue to the sequel of Beneath The Armour.

Anyone who has stuck with me this long, thank you so much! Love you all!!!

Please keep commenting as it encourages me to continue!

Reminder: Éowyn is pronounced ‘AY-OH-WIN’.

Enjoy xxx

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Summary:

Just a quick note to say that this sequel will be a lot darker than the previous fic. It will explore very depressing and morbid topics such as murder/torture/serial killing and all that comes with those topics.

It can be very descriptive at times but I will always make sure there is a warning at the start of the chapter.

I promise I’m not disturbed 😩

Anyways, enjoy xxx

Notes:

TW:

Slight references of abduction and murder.
References of daddy kink.
Drug abuse.

Chapter 1

 

4 months later…

Éowyn pushed open the heavy doors of the precinct, balancing a box of donuts in one arm and a carry case full of hot, steaming beverages in the other. The aroma of sugar and caffeine wafted through the air, catching the attention of her colleagues even before she fully stepped inside.

A chorus of cheers went up as she entered, and hands reached eagerly to help her unload her haul.

“ Éowyn, you’re a lifesaver! ” someone shouted as she placed the donuts on the table.

“ Bless you, Sarge!” another chimed in, already reaching for a cup of coffee.

Smiling, she moved through the room, finally spotting George, her second-in-command, making his way over.

He gave her a grin, holding a stack of papers.

“ Sarge, got the updated report on the Candor Killer case all written up for you ” he said, his tone relaxed yet professional.

Without a second thought, Éowyn threw an arm around him, squeezing him tight. “ George, you’re a miracle worker. Thank you—I’ve been buried in work with all these cases coming up at once”.

He chuckled, patting her back. “ Hey, you’re the one who just took down the Amity Abductor. You deserve a break more than anyone”.

She laughed, releasing him as they headed to her desk.

“ Don’t get any ideas. You’re next up if any cases roll in while I’m out ” she joked, setting down her hot chocolate and beginning to sift through the stack of files waiting for her.

George winked as he moved back to his own desk. “ I’ll hold down the fort, Sarge. You just focus on keeping us all in donuts”.

Smiling to herself, Éowyn settled into her chair, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for her team.

Just as Éowyn was getting her files in order, Richard Green approached her desk, his steady gaze softened by a small smile.

“ How long are you planning to be gone visiting your family?” he asked, his voice warm with his usual calm authority.

“ Just for the day, Captain” Éowyn replied, looking up at him with a reassuring smile. “ I’ll be back by nightfall. I wouldn’t leave you all unsupervised for longer than that”.

He chuckled, nodding. “ Good to hear. Have a safe trip, Éowyn”.

Once she was satisfied that all her files were in order, Éowyn grabbed her worn leather jacket from the back of her chair, slipping it on and feeling that familiar comfort as it settled over her shoulders. She took a final look around the precinct, making sure everything was in place for her absence.

As she headed toward the door, her teammates called out their goodbyes.

“ Don’t forget to bring us more donuts next time!” one of them shouted, making her laugh.

“ Travel safe, Sarge!” another voice called.

With a wave and a smile, Éowyn pushed open the door and stepped out into the fresh air, ready for a day away from her duties—and a rare chance to reconnect with family.

 

***
Éowyn quietly opened the front door to her family home in Erudite, the familiar creak of the old hinges bringing a soft smile to her face.

She slipped inside, closing it gently behind her, hoping to surprise them. But before she could take more than a few steps, Daisy, the family’s excitable border collie, dashed around the corner and barked at the unexpected visitor.

Éowyn’s heart warmed as Daisy recognised her, tail wagging furiously as she jumped up, paws landing on Éowyn’s shoulders in greeting.

“ Hey, girl” Éowyn whispered, laughing softly as she ran her fingers through the dog’s soft fur. Daisy licked her face in response, whining happily as if to scold her for being away so long.

Moments later, her mother and younger sister Elizabeth appeared in the doorway, smiles lighting up their faces at the sight of her.

“ Éowyn!” her mother exclaimed, crossing the room and pulling her into a warm hug. “ I was starting to think you’d forgotten about us. We haven’t heard from you in a whole month”.

Éowyn hugged her back tightly, feeling the comfort of being home in her mother’s embrace.

“ I know, Mother. I’ve just been so busy ” she replied, her voice soft with guilt and affection.

Her mother led her into the large living room, its familiar warmth settling around her. Éowyn eased down onto the old couch, the cushions sinking comfortably beneath her, reminding her of countless evenings spent here.

Elizabeth dropped onto the seat beside her, looping an arm around Éowyn’s shoulders.

“ Daddy will be home soon—he’s at work, as usual ” she said with a grin, giving Éowyn a playful nudge. “ It’s about time you showed up”.

Éowyn tried to smile as she listened to Elizabeth chatter on, but she couldn’t hide the slight cringe that crossed her face when her sister called their father “ daddy .” The word dug up an uncomfortable memory, one that made her stomach twist.

It had happened on one of her rare days off during special ops training, when she’d stopped by to visit her family.

She’d been so happy to see her father that she’d thrown her arms around him and exclaimed “ I missed you daddy ” .

But as soon as the word left her mouth, a flood of memories of Eric washed over her—the times she had called him Daddy during their moments of erotic passion.

She’d stood there in her father’s embrace, her heart clenching painfully as she realised the word had been tainted, had shifted to mean something else entirely. A moment that should have felt safe had instead brought a surge of discomfort and lingering hurt, mingling memories of her father with sordid memories of Eric.

After that, Éowyn had decided to call her father “ Father .” It was simpler, clearer, and free of the confusion Eric had left in her mind and heart. Eric had taken a lot from her, and she was determined that her family wouldn’t be something he touched.

Pushing the memory aside, she smiled at her sister, willing herself to let the ache pass. This was a day for family, and she wouldn’t let the shadows of the past intrude here.

“ Can’t have the family forgetting what I look like, can I? ” She says to her sister.

Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder, beaming. “ Well, we’ll make a special lunch. I’ll make your favourite—pizza with cheesy garlic bread”.

Éowyn’s eyes lit up. “ You really don’t have to go to all that trouble”.

Her mother laughed. “ Oh, believe me, after this long? It’s no trouble at all”. She squeezed Éowyn’s shoulder, looking down at her with fondness. “ Now, relax and catch up with your sister. I’ll get started on the pizza”.

Éowyn settled back into the couch, letting herself sink into the warmth of home, with Daisy at her feet and her family’s voices filling the room.

 

***
As they sat around the table, each with a slice of Andrea’s homemade pizza, Éowyn’s mother glanced over at her and asked, “ So, have you heard from Eric?”

Éowyn barely held back an eye roll, her voice steady but tired. “ Mother, it’s been 18 months since he broke up with me…in the most cowardly way possible, if you remember. If I was going to hear from him, it would have happened by now”.

Andrea sighed, as if contemplating the missed potential. “ It’s just such a shame ” she said softly. “ I liked him. He was complicated…but anyone with eyes could see how much he loved you. I always thought he’d make a good husband for you—strong, brave, a protector”.

Éowyn’s chest tightened at the words, though she forced herself to keep a neutral expression. She didn’t need this—especially not after the painful work she’d put into moving forward. Not when she’d finally learned to bury the memories.

Thankfully, Elizabeth seemed to sense her discomfort and swiftly changed the subject, nudging her mother into a conversation about a new book she’d been reading.

Just then, Éowyn’s father, Stefan, entered the kitchen, his eyes lighting up with a teasing grin. “ Is that pizza I smell? And look who finally decided to turn up. Miss Dauntless herself!”

Éowyn couldn’t help but smile, knowing her father’s aloofness was all in jest. She stood to hug him, and he wrapped her in a warm, familiar embrace, making a show of looking her over as if surprised to see her.

“ Long time, no see ” he teased, pulling her close.

“ It’s good to see you too, father ” she replied, emphasising the word. For the moment, the ache in her heart eased as they settled back into the comfort of family, the past set aside.

As they sat back around the table, Stefan looked at Éowyn with a smirk.

“ So… ” he began, narrowing his eyes playfully, “… are you ever going to explain why you suddenly stopped calling me Daddy and switched to Father? Feels a bit formal, don’t you think?”

Éowyn froze, a sudden flush rising in her cheeks as her mind scrambled for an explanation. Across the table, Elizabeth stifled a giggle, her eyes twinkling knowingly. Éowyn had confided in her sister months ago, explaining the awkward association that had ruined the word forever.

“ Oh, well…you know ” Éowyn stammered, forcing a casual shrug as she focused hard on her plate. “ It just…it just felt a little childish, that’s all”.

Her father chuckled, oblivious to her discomfort, as he sliced another piece of pizza.

“ I suppose it’s inevitable—my little girl is growing up ” he said, and winked at her before taking a bite.

Éowyn let out a small, relieved breath, glad her feeble excuse seemed to satisfy him.

She caught Elizabeth’s amused glance, and they exchanged a silent look of mutual understanding that made her feel both flustered and a little grateful.

“ Well I am coming up to 20 years old, I’ll no longer be a teenager” Éowyn  chuckled.

“ That’s true. The big 2-0 eh? ” her father said, dropping the pizza crust into Daisy’s eager mouth.

Andrea, looked at her daughter with a warm smile. “ So, are you planning to do anything special for your 20th birthday? It’s a big one”.

Éowyn shrugged, her tone casual. “ Probably not. I barely have time to think about birthdays these days with work. It’s not a big deal, really”.

Before Andrea could respond, Elizabeth suddenly bounced in her seat, unable to contain her excitement. “ But you have to celebrate! You’re practically famous now, Éowyn. All my friends have been talking about you! They want to meet you! You’re the one who caught the Amity Abductor!”

Elizabeth’s face was alight with pride, her eyes gleaming as she leaned toward Éowyn.

Éowyn smiled, touched by her sister’s enthusiasm, but before she could reply, Stefan’s gaze hardened as he looked over at Elizabeth.

“ Friends? What friends are these?” he asked, his voice lined with concern. “ I hope you’re not sneaking out and meeting people like your sister used to do when she was younger”. Her Father threw Éowyn a dirty look that but she just laughed at it.

Elizabeth’s face turned innocent in an instant.

“ Of course not, Daddy ” she said, her voice as convincing as she could manage. But as soon as he looked back down at his plate, she shot Éowyn a quick, mischievous look, clearly not as innocent as she’d pretended to be.

Éowyn fought back a smirk, shaking her head slightly at her sister’s antics. It was funny how some things never changed.

Her mother sighed, turning the conversation back to the case that made Éowyn’s name.

“ That Amity abductor though… ” she said, her voice quiet but filled with concern. “ It’s just awful, isn’t it? Those poor women—locked up for so many years, enduring who knows what. It’s hard to believe something so cruel could happen in Amity, of all places”.

Éowyn paused at her Mother’s words.

Éowyn had been the one who worked 12 hour days, determined to find the lost women and their abductor. She spent months reviewing all of the evidence, re-interviewing all witnesses and following up on every lead. Eventually, her tenacity paid off.

It had been the very case that got her promoted to sergeant.

“ I know ” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of sympathy and lingering frustration from the investigation. “ It’s hard to imagine that kind of thing happening in Amity. They’re supposed to be all about peace, kindness, and harmony. It just…doesn’t make sense, you know?”

Her mother nodded slowly. “ Exactly. Amity is meant to be the sanctuary, the refuge from all the violence and anger in the world. And yet…someone from there did this. It makes you wonder how anyone could harbour that kind of darkness ” Andrea’s brow furrowed, a hint of disbelief still in her voice.

Éowyn stayed silent for a moment, the weight of her mother’s words sinking in. The fact that the abductor had come from Amity—the faction of peace and compassion—was something that still baffled her. It was a reminder of how easily a facade could be shattered, how anyone , regardless of their background, was capable of harbouring darkness.

Contemplating the idea of people harbouring a secret darkness reminded her of her Uncle Pete’s killer.

It had been a devastating memory that had refused to fade, no matter how much time had passed. The memory of discovering who murdered him had destroyed her.

When she first passed her special ops training, the very first thing she had done with the department’s resources was to exhume her uncle’s body. She had to know what had happened—had to understand the cause behind his death, the cruel, violent act that had shattered her family.

What she found had shocked her to her very core. The bullet was still lodged in his skull even though the medical report said otherwise.

It was like someone wanted her to find it and therefore, find the killer.

Reviewing the ballistics, she ran it through the system and determined whose gun the bullet came from. It had pointed directly to someone within the Dauntless faction.  Someone she knew well. Someone who had already hurt her beyond measure…

Eric .

It was almost too much for her to process, the realisation that Eric had been the one to murder her Uncle. The realisation that Eric had sat there and comforted her when she had wailed in despair. The one who held her while she sobbed into his neck. The one who listened to her angry rants about how Peter was a kindhearted soul and his killer was a heartless bastard.

She supposed she had been right in that regard. Eric was heartless.

The very thought sickened her. It sickened her more that this emotional blow came just as she was starting a new chapter in her life. It felt like life didn’t want her to turn the page, and instead kept dragging her back into the past by adding another nauseating twist to her pain.

After realising Eric was her Uncle’s killer, it had been around this time that she had spiralled and had reached out to one of her old drug dealers in Erudite. It was the first time she had ever considered using Bliss on a regular basis to quell the depths of her sorrow.

The relief the drug gave her had been addictive, its fleeting comfort a much-needed escape from the reality of her life and the constant weight of her past.

The first few weeks, the high had been a balm for her broken soul, a reprieve from the emotional torment. She had started getting regular doses from him, the small vials of red liquid a familiar, albeit destructive, companion.

Richard Green had known. He knew about her drug use from the monthly drug tests. But as long as she kept up her performance, as long as she did her job, Captain Green didn’t seem to care about the tests.

He’d turned a blind eye to her addiction because the results spoke for themselves. Éowyn was one of the best at what she did—efficient, precise, and ruthless when the situation demanded it. And Richard knew better than to interfere with that.

The anger towards Eric’s betrayal dulled slightly over time. Éowyn wasn’t stupid. She knew he wouldn’t have killed Peter without being ordered to by Jeanine. Which meant there was something else going on.

But what?

Although she still felt the harsh sting of betrayal, she knew she couldn’t put all the blame on Eric. Not until she had all the answers.

The main one being… why?

So she had let it slide, focusing on her missions, her career, because the fight against the remnants of the revolution was far more important.

But one day, she promised herself, if she ever ran into Eric, she would confront and interrogate him and then make him pay. Because even if she had let the hurt settle for now, it would never be forgotten.

Éowyn was jolted out of her painful memory by her father’s voice calling her name, his tone soft but insistent. “ Éowyn, could you follow me into the study?”

She blinked a few times, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts, and nodded.

“ Sure, Father ” she murmured, glancing at her family. They all seemed to be carrying on, enjoying their afternoon, unaware of the distant place her mind had wandered.

Her father was already halfway to his study, and Éowyn followed him down the familiar hallway, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet house. When they reached the study, her father gestured for her to sit in one of the plush chairs near the window, where the afternoon sun was just beginning to dip behind the trees outside.

“ I’m proud of you, Éowyn ” her father said, his voice steady but warm. “ You’ve really grown into someone remarkable. I admire how you’ve stayed true to your dreams and stayed safe, even in the face of so many challenges”.

Éowyn was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. Her father hadn’t been overly expressive of his emotions when she was younger, but his words now were different. It made her feel like she was hearing him for the first time in a long while.

“ Thank you, Father ” she said softly, her heart swelling with affection for the man who had shaped so much of who she was.

He smiled, though it was tinged with something else—something like sorrow, as if there were so many unspoken words between them that he wasn’t quite ready to voice.

Without another word, he moved to a nearby shelf and took down a small, rectangular box. It had the family crest embossed on the lid, an intricate design that was as old as their lineage.

He handed it to her with a sense of ceremony. “ I’ve been meaning to give this to you for some time now. You’re more than ready for it”.

Éowyn raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask questions. She opened the box carefully, her fingers brushing against the velvet lining as her eyes fell on the contents.

Inside was a sleek dagger. Its handle was a smooth and polished emerald colour. It gleaming under the low light. The family crest was engraved into the blade, a delicate and intricate design that matched the one on the box.

For a moment, she was speechless. The dagger was beautiful, practical, and meaningful all at once. It would fit perfectly on her weapons belt, an extension of who she was and who her family had always been—a symbol of strength, honour, and legacy.

“ It’s…beautiful ” she whispered, her fingers grazing the flat side of the blade. “ Thank you, Father”.

Her father smiled at her reaction, his eyes proud. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

“ You deserve it ” he murmured into her hair, his voice thick with emotion.

But before she could respond, her com buzzed sharply, cutting through the moment.

Éowyn pulled away from her father’s embrace and glanced at the screen, her stomach lurching when she saw the name flashing across it: Richard Green .

“ Excuse me ” she said quickly, her voice tense. She tapped the screen to answer the call, and Richard’s voice came through, urgent and clipped.

“ Éowyn ” he said, his tone grave. “ Get back to the precinct immediately! There’s been a fire”.

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. “ What? How bad is it? ” she asked, her pulse quickening.

“ I don’t know all the details yet, but it’s serious. We need you back now!”

Her mind raced, adrenaline surging through her. The fire could mean anything. If it was something big, it might be connected to their ongoing cases, or it could be something entirely unrelated. But she couldn’t ignore it.

“ I’m on my way” she said quickly, her voice already on edge. “ I’ll be there as soon as I can”.

She turned back to her father and family, panic seizing her chest.

“ I have to go ” she said, her words rushed. “ There’s been an emergency. I’ll call you later”.

Without waiting for their response, Éowyn grabbed her jacket and the dagger, slipping it onto her belt as she made her way to the door.

Her heart hammered in her chest, her thoughts already on the precinct.

As she stepped out into the evening air, the weight of her father’s gift felt strangely heavy now—an omen, perhaps, that her personal life would always be at odds with the dangerous work she had chosen.

The fire was just the beginning, and Éowyn knew that she was about to dive back into a world where nothing was ever truly safe.

 

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Éowyn sped down the dimly lit streets, the hum of her car’s engine drowned out by the chaos that filled her mind. Even before she reached the precinct, the acrid smell of smoke began to seep into her car, sharp and stinging. Her stomach twisted. She’d caught the scent too soon, too strongly—this wasn’t just a small fire.

As she rounded the final corner, the glow of flames against the night sky confirmed her worst fears. The entire precinct was engulfed in an angry blaze, flames licking at the darkened heavens, black smoke spiraling upward like some twisted signal to the entire city.

Éowyn pulled up just in time to see her colleagues standing together, helpless but resolute. She parked haphazardly, leaping out of her car and making her way to the small gathering. The crackling roar of the fire filled the silence, drowning out the words that failed on her lips.

Richard Green stood at the forefront, his usually calm face set in tense lines, and George was next to him, his fists clenched at his sides.

Éowyn came up alongside them, her own hands curling into tight fists as she stared at the inferno consuming the building that had been their second home.

“ They think it was set intentionally” Richard said, his voice grim, not taking his eyes off the flames.

Éowyn’s jaw tightened. “ Any sign of who did it?” she asked, though her voice held no real expectation. Whoever did this would have planned it well, knowing the symbolic weight it would carry.

George shook his head. “ Whoever did this knew what they were doing. Security footage is down, and so far, no witnesses. The few staff who were inside got out, thank God”.

Relief flickered through her, but the sight of the building in flames kept her tense. They had poured so much into this place, working nights, taking risks, sharing secrets—and now, in mere minutes, it was turning to ash.

Richard glanced sideways at her. “ Looks like someone wanted us out of the way, or at the very least, to make a statement ”.

His gaze was as unflinching as the fire in front of them.

As Éowyn stared at the burning precinct, her com buzzed against her hip. She pulled it out, glancing down at the screen. A new message flashed from an unknown number:

 

Unknown : Your move. —J”

 

Her eyes narrowed as her mind went cold. Jeremy. She quickly showed the message to Richard, who took one look before nodding grimly.

“ Jeremy’s the one who started the fire…” she said, her voice tight with restrained anger.

Without a word, Richard stepped away to make a call.

Éowyn stayed rooted to the spot, clenching her com in one hand as she watched the flames devouring everything they’d built. This was no ordinary attack—Jeremy was sending a message, and she had no doubt he had more plans in motion.

George, who’d been standing beside her, caught her eye as Richard walked away. “ Is it him? ” he asked.

Éowyn nodded, her expression hard. “ Yeah. Jeremy just claimed responsibility”.

Around her, the other team members shifted, muttering to each other, expressions of anger and determination passing through the ranks as they caught on to what was happening.

George’s jaw clenched as he asked, “ So what’s our next move, Sarge? We can’t let him walk away from this”.

Éowyn felt the surge of shared anger around her, and she held onto it, using it to fuel her own focus.

“ We work harder to find his base of operations ” she said firmly. “ We’re not letting him get away with this. He wants to make a move against us? Fine. We’ll show him he just picked the wrong fight”.

Just then, Richard returned from his call, his expression hard but composed.

“ I just spoke to Max ” he announced. “ He’s agreed to let us move our command center into the Dauntless compound. We’ll be able to operate from there”.

Éowyn tensed at Richard’s announcement. The thought of moving the entire special ops team to the Dauntless compound made her uneasy, memories from her past lurking just beneath the surface.

If they moved to the main compound, she would be around Eric again. She couldn’t bare that.

“ Actually, sir ” she began, forcing her voice to sound neutral, “ I don’t think moving to the Dauntless main compound is…ideal”.

Richard raised an eyebrow, giving her a questioning look. “ What’s the issue, Éowyn? We used to operate out of the Dauntless main compound about ten years ago. There’s nothing we haven’t handled there before”.

She scrambled for an excuse, feeling her heart beat a little faster.

“ They won’t have the right equipment for our kind of operations ” she said, folding her arms to hide her nerves.

Richard’s expression softened, and he shook his head. “ They recently upgraded. They have everything we need, maybe even a few pieces we haven’t gotten our hands on yet”.

Éowyn hesitated but quickly came up with another argument. “ But their mainframe won’t have our system configuration. We’ll need access to our entire database to keep up with cases like the Candor Killer, and the Dauntless system won’t support it”.

Richard let out a short sigh, giving her a patient look. “ That’s an easy fix, Éowyn. We can transfer our systems over with a few days’ work ”.

Then, he moved closer, pulling her aside and lowering his voice. “ Look, I know why you’re really hesitating. You’re worried about being around Eric. I get it. But this situation is bigger than any of us, and we don’t have another choice right now”.

Caught off-guard by his perceptiveness, Éowyn clenched her jaw, her objections dissolving. She hated the idea of being around Eric, with all the unresolved feelings and reminders of how he’d broken her heart. But Richard was right—they had a job to do, and avoiding her past wasn’t a good enough excuse.

She took a deep breath, nodding reluctantly. “ Alright. We’ll go”.

Richard placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, then turned back to the team. “ Listen up, everyone! Go back to your barracks and pack your belongings. We’ll be heading out for the Dauntless main compound at dawn. Be ready”.

The team dispersed, murmuring with mixed anticipation and resolve. Éowyn stood still for a moment, letting the weight of what was coming sink in. She’d have to face her past at Dauntless sooner or later—she just hadn’t planned for it to be this soon.

 

***
Éowyn was filling up a cardboard box, her mind churning with thoughts of Dauntless and all it represented, when a soft knock came from the door.

She exited her bedroom and went to the front door. She opened it to see George standing there, grinning in that familiar, friendly way.

“ Hey, Sarge ” he said casually, peering over her shoulder at her half-empty living room.

“ George, I told you that you could call me Éowyn when we aren’t at work” she grins back.

George shrugs as Éowyn lets him in where he follows her into her bedroom. “ Thought I’d swing by, see if you needed a hand with…well, what’s left here”.

Éowyn raised an eyebrow, glancing around at her meager pile of possessions.

“ I don’t have much, and you know it, George ” she said skeptically, folding her arms. “ So what are you really doing here?”

He held up his hands defensively, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

“ Can’t a guy help his favourite sergeant without an interrogation?” But after a moment, his expression softened. “ Alright, you caught me. I wanted to check on you. Heading back to Dauntless compound must feel…complicated, right?”

She sighed, returning to her box of clothes as a distraction. “ We need a place to operate, and Dauntless is offering. No big deal”.

George chuckled, not buying it for a second.

“ Come on, Éowyn. I know the compound is more than just a ‘place to operate’ for you. I remember what you told me about what Eric put you through. And now, here you are, about to be in the same compound again ”. He leaned against the wall watching her carefully. “ How are you really feeling about that?”

Éowyn closed eyes, trying to avoid looking at her colleague and friend. “ I’ll handle it. I’m not the same person I was when I left, and…honestly, neither is he, I’m sure. It’s been a long time”.

Éowyn lifted a new cardboard box and set it on the bed, beginning to fill it with the remaining clothes from her dresser.

As she opened the box, her eyes caught a flash of material in the bottom. She reached in and her hand brushed something soft, almost delicate. She pulled it out, and her heart gave a small, painful jolt.

It was the black lace chemise Eric had given her as a gift after she passed initiation—a small, intimate reward for all she’d overcome, and a promise of many moments they thought they’d share.

She hadn’t unpacked it after leaving Dauntless; she hadn’t been able to.

Lost in a moment, she let her fingers trace over the intricate lace, feeling an old familiar ache. She pressed it gently to her face, inhaling the faint, lingering scent that had clung to it—memories flooding back of the last time she’d worn it for him, back when the world had felt whole and their futures wide open.

George noticed her expression, his eyes softening.

“ That’s a nice, sexy little number ” he said, trying for a light tone.

Éowyn let out a small, choked laugh, shaking her head as she held the chemise against her chest.

But the laughter faltered, and the old pain she had tried to keep buried began surfacing. Her chest tightened, and she felt tears threaten.

George, watching her struggle, stepped closer and gently wrapped his arms around her. She sank into the hug, grateful for the quiet support. For a few seconds, she let herself lean on him, letting herself feel the grief she’d held down for so long.

She smiled faintly, appreciating his comfort.

“ Thanks, George. I mean it ” She paused, and after a beat, added, “ It’s just…strange. Dauntless compound has all these memories, some good, some…less so. And being around him will definitely bring up a few of the latter”.

“ Well ” George said gently, “ If anyone can walk into that compound and stay strong, it’s you”.

She nodded, knowing he was right. Whatever happened, she was stronger, colder. She was determined not to let Eric get to her. Although this would be the perfect time to confront him on the many burning questions she held.

 

Chapter 4: Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next morning, everyone gathered in the common area of the barracks, duffels and boxes scattered around as people sorted themselves into car shares.

Éowyn’s company-issued car was already packed with her things, but she still had space for two passengers and their own belongings. George and Valerie volunteered, tossing their boxes and bags into the trunk before climbing in.

Once all the cars were packed, they set off in a quiet convoy toward the Dauntless compound. The sun was just peeking over the buildings, casting long shadows across the road.

Valerie broke the silence first, glancing over at Éowyn with a smirk.

“ So…” Valerie said, leaning forward between the seats, “ excited to be heading back to the main compound?”

Éowyn scoffed. “ Not in the slightest” she said flatly.

Valerie and George shared a knowing look through the wing mirror, and Valerie gave a little shrug, her voice mischievous.

“ Well, you better make sure you’re a petty bitch to Eric as much as you can be ” she said, a grin spreading across her face.

Éowyn couldn’t help but laugh, her mood lightening for a moment. “ Oh, don’t worry ” she replied with a wicked smile, “ I’ll be the pettiest bitch you’ve ever met”.

They all laughed together.

They made good time, and before long, the towering walls of the Dauntless compound loomed ahead.

As they approached the entrance, Éowyn pushed down her window, expecting the usual security check. To her surprise, the guard was none other than Nova, his eyes widening as he recognised her.

“ Éowyn?” he asked, grinning. “ Long time, no see. Didn’t expect to find you back here!”

Éowyn managed a smile. “ Hey, Nova. Had a fire at our precinct last night—lost the whole building. So, it looks like we’ll be staying here, at the main compound, from now on”.

Nova’s smile faded as he took in the news. “ That’s rough ” he said. “ Well, welcome back. It’ll be nice to have you around again”.

She gave him a small nod before pulling her car through the gates, the weight of returning to the Dauntless compound settling over her.

As she parked, she felt George and Valerie’s supportive presence beside her, bracing her for whatever—or whoever—she might face inside those walls.

 

***
The whole special ops division gathered outside the imposing main entrance to the Dauntless compound as they prepared to move in.

Éowyn, George, Valerie, and the rest of her team stood close to Captain Richard, watching as the doors opened with a familiar metallic groan.

Max emerged alone to greet them, his confident stride cutting through the crowd until he stood directly in front of them. He surveyed the team with a nod, pausing when his gaze fell on Éowyn. A glimmer of warmth flickered in his expression, and he extended a hand to her.

“ Éowyn ” he greeted, sounding almost pleased. “ Glad to have you back with us. How does it feel?”

She forced a polite smile, shaking his hand firmly.

“ Feels…good to be back” she replied, her voice steady but her heart less certain. The lie was small, but it gave her just enough distance to stay composed.

With that, Max turned and led them down into the compound, the team falling in line behind him. As they descended into the familiar shadows, the sounds and energy of Dauntless pulsed around them, faint echoes of voices, laughter, and activity bouncing off the walls.

Finally, they reached the Pit, where Max gestured for them to settle in and wait for further instructions. The team spread out, some setting down their duffel bags, others quietly taking in their new home.

Éowyn took a deep breath, her eyes drifting over the familiar stone walls, the fluorescent lights, and the bright, chaotic crowds filling the lower levels of the Pit.

Despite everything, despite the heavy memories she’d left behind here, a flicker of comfort bloomed in her chest.

It was strange but undeniable—she’d missed this place. The energy, the resilience, the fierce spirit of Dauntless that thrummed in every corner of the Pit felt like a part of her still. She let her gaze travel upward, taking it all in, and allowed herself a small, private smile. For the first time in a long while, something about being back felt almost right.

 

***
Max and Richard approached the division gathered in the Pit, their voices carrying over the low hum of chatter.

“ Welcome back to the Dauntless main compound” Max announced, nodding to the team. “ From here, you’ll head up to the housing department, where they’ll assign your apartments. It’s a tight squeeze, so be prepared for some shared arrangements”.

Richard nodded in agreement. “ Let’s get everyone settled in. Housing is ready for us now”.

With that, the group bustled out of the Pit and into the main staircase, their footsteps echoing as they made their way up.

At the housing department floor, they were met by a stern-looking woman with a pencil skirt, neatly tucked blouse, and cropped hair.

She looked over the group, her expression sharp.

“ Assignments will be as usual ” she said briskly. “ Most of you will be sharing apartments”.

She began reading off names, pairing the division into groups as they stood in small clusters.

“ Valerie Beale and Lucy Cooper” she announced, “ along with Timothy Cooper ”. Valerie nodded, giving Lucy a small smile and ruffling Lucy’s infant son’s hair as they exchanged glances.

“ George Langley you’ll be with Dominic Jones” the woman continued, marking it down with a quick stroke of her pen.

George grinned at Dominic, who gave him an approving nod.

“ Billy Bones and Kelvin Saunders” she called next, gesturing to the two men standing off to the side, who nodded and moved toward each other.

Éowyn noted how good it was that her squad seemed to be kept together.

Finally, Éowyn’s name was called on its own by somebody else.

She approached a different table, where a young woman behind the desk immediately looked up, flustered as she scrambled with a stack of files that spilled across the surface. She flashed Éowyn a mortified smile, cheeks flushed.

“ I’m so sorry ” the woman stammered, frantically trying to organise her paperwork. “ Just give me a second”.

“ No rush” Éowyn said kindly, trying to calm her. “ It’s all fine”.

The woman looked up, taking a deep breath, and managed a more composed smile.

“ Thank you. I’m Nina ” she said, her voice still a bit shaky. “ I’m still getting used to everything. I’m from the last initiation group” she beamed, clearly excited.

Éowyn paused for a moment, a sudden wave of realisation washing over her. Eighteen months had passed since she’d left Dauntless for special ops training.

It struck her how much time had slipped by. It had been long enough for Eric, Four, and the rest of Dauntless to train and graduate an entirely new class of initiates, and to already be working with another round of recruits.

So much had changed in her absence.

Nina finally found Éowyn’s housing assignment and looked up with a smile.

“ I’ve heard all about you, you know ” she said, her voice tinged with awe. “ Everyone here talks about what a success you’ve been—especially Four”.

Éowyn’s heart skipped at the mention of Four’s name, a familiar warmth mixed with a pang of guilt tugging at her chest. She’d kept so busy, so focused on her mission, that her old friends had slowly faded into the background. She hadn’t kept in touch nearly as much as she should have, and now, hearing about Four, she realised just how much she’d missed them all.

Éowyn leaned against the desk with a small smirk. “ So, are you and Four…close? ” she asked, raising a playful eyebrow.

Nina’s cheeks flushed instantly.

“ Oh, no, nothing like that ” she said quickly, eyes darting back to her files, but the blush spreading across her face betrayed her.

Éowyn laughed softly, leaning closer. “ But you want to be, right?” she teased gently.

Nina’s blush deepened, and she looked down, biting her lip.

“ Maybe a little ” she admitted, trying to hide her embarrassment.

“ Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me ” Éowyn promised, giving Nina a wink.

She felt a strange mix of nostalgia and protectiveness for the girl—she’d been in those starry-eyed shoes once, too.

She also couldn’t deny a tiny bit of jealousy. She shook it away quickly.

Four had told Éowyn he would wait for her. But she told him not to, as she wasn’t sure she could feel the same way about him. She had no right to be jealous of this girl’s feelings.

Nina grinned, clearly relieved, and handed Éowyn a set of keys. “ Here you go! You’re on floor thirteen, room thirteen. Unlucky for some eh?”

Éowyn laughed “Thirteen is my lucky number, so it’s perfect…” she trailed off.

Éowyn blinked, her smile fading slightly as she recognised the floor number.

‘ Floor thirteen…that was Eric’s floor ’ she thought.

She felt her heart tighten a little. Just the thought of crossing paths with him made her uncomfortable.

“ Isn’t…isn’t that the floor where the leaders stay?” s he asked.

Nina glanced at her screen and nodded, but seeing Éowyn’s expression, she immediately backpedaled, looking nervous.

She quickly typed into the computer. “ You’re a Sergeant, right?”

Éowyn nodded. “ Yes ”.

Nina let out a sigh of relief. “ Perfect! That’s why you’re on thirteen—you get a larger apartment to yourself because of your rank”.

She gave Éowyn an encouraging smile, oblivious to the memory-laden whirlwind Éowyn was trying to tamp down.

Éowyn forced a lighthearted smile back. “ Well…lucky me ” she said, pocketing the keys.

 

***
Éowyn, Valerie, and George made their way down to the underground parking lot, each of them hauling at least one box. They agreed to help Valerie get settled first, then George, and finally Éowyn.

When the elevator dinged on floor thirteen, Éowyn hesitated before stepping out. Her mind flashed to one of the last times she’d been here—the sight of her belongings strewn in boxes outside Eric’s door, and Four’s quiet, pained face as he handed her Eric’s cruel goodbye note. She shook off the memory, forcing herself to focus on the present.

They made their way to her apartment, number 13, and Éowyn unlocked the door, feeling a strange pang of familiarity and emptiness all at once.

Stepping inside, she noted the apartment was spacious, much like Eric’s had been, with an open-plan layout that flowed into the kitchen and a wall of windows. The room was almost bare, furnished only with a battered old couch that looked like it had seen better days.

George and Valerie whistled, glancing around enviously.

“ Wow, look at this place ” Valerie said. “ You’ve got enough space to start your own faction”.

Éowyn shrugged, trying to brush it off. “ Perks of the job, I guess ”.

She made her way into the large main bedroom, finding it similarly bare, with just a small single bed, a worn chest of drawers, and a nightstand with a simple lamp. She mentally noted that she’d need to replace all of it as soon as she could.

She popped her head into the spare room on the way back to the living room. It was completely empty.

After helping bring in her boxes, Valerie and George headed back to their own apartments, giving Éowyn space to unpack.

She started with her clothes, pulling them out of one box and arranging them neatly in the drawers.

Her hands paused as she came across the delicate, lacy black chemise buried in the bottom.

Without a second thought, she walked into the kitchen and tossed the garment into the empty trash can. The soft rustle of lace hitting the bottom felt final.

Taking a deep breath, she went back to unpacking, determined to leave the past behind her, piece by piece.

 

Chapter 5: Chapter 4

Summary:

Slight panic when I went to copy and paste this chapter and instead accidentally deleted it from my phone. It was the ONLY copy of this chapter.

Literally was about to cry but thankfully got it back 😂

Anyways………😂

 

Chapter 4

Éowyn finished unpacking her things, feeling a strange mix of accomplishment and restlessness.

She glanced at her com for the time and figured that her friends in the infirmary—Mia and Harper—would be working by now. She was also looking forward to finally seeing Annie again.

Smiling to herself, she made her way through the compound toward the familiar scent of antiseptic and the quiet bustle of the infirmary.

As she entered, she noticed a line of beds filled with young initiates, bruised and bandaged. Their wide eyes and grimaces reminded her all too well of her own grueling initiation days. The endless drills, sparring matches, and brutal conditioning exercises had left her in similar states more times than she could count.

Shaking her head, she looked away from the wounded initiates, and just as she did, she heard a loud, high-pitched squeal.

Before she could even register what was happening, a small figure barreled into her, arms wrapping tightly around her waist.

“ Éowyn! It’s been forever! ” Mia’s delighted voice rang in her ear as she squeezed Éowyn with an enthusiasm that only Mia could bring.

Éowyn chuckled, returning the hug, and as she looked over Mia’s shoulder, she spotted Harper watching with her arms folded, a faint frown on her face.

After Mia released her, Éowyn walked over to Harper, hoping to see the warmth she remembered. But Harper’s expression stayed serious.

“ You really should have kept in touch, Éowyn ” she said, the disappointment clear in her voice. Éowyn winced, realising her silence had hurt more than she knew.

“ I’m sorry ” Éowyn said earnestly. “ I didn’t mean to disappear. Work got…intense”.

Harper rolled her eyes but pulled Éowyn into a tight hug anyway.

“ Well, I missed you ” she whispered, her tone softening. “ We all did”.

As they pulled apart, Mia, ever the talker, grinned and added, “ You’re like Dauntless’s new legend. Seriously, everyone’s been talking about how you caught the Amity Abductor and are working to solve the Candor Killer murders. You’re a hero around here”.

Before Éowyn could respond, she saw a familiar figure stepping out from a nearby office. Annie, with her kind eyes and steady presence, caught sight of her and rushed over, wrapping her in a warm embrace.

“ Éowyn ” Annie said, pulling back slightly to study her face. “ How are you holding up?”

“ I’m good” Éowyn replied, her voice steady but her eyes flickering.

She knew Annie was asking more than just a casual question. Annie had always understood her on a deeper level.

Annie’s gaze softened, and she hesitated. “I mean…with everything, including—”

But before Annie could finish, Mia broke in, waving her arms with excitement. “ Enough talk! Let’s go grab lunch. I’m starving, and there is so much to catch up on!”

Grateful for the distraction, Éowyn laughed, and together, the three of them walked out of the infirmary, ready to reconnect over food and stories, just like old times.

 

***
Éowyn, Mia, and Harper found a quiet corner in the canteen, their trays of food spread out before them. The hum of conversations around them was soothing, a familiar backdrop that made Éowyn feel a little less like an outsider. It had been a long time since she had sat down with them, and there, indeed, was so much to catch up on.

Harper, ever eager, didn’t waste time. “ Alright, spill it, Éowyn. We want the full story. Everything that’s happened since you left. Don’t leave anything out”.

Éowyn smiled at her friends, her fingers tapping against her tray as she thought about how to begin. “ Well, I guess I should start with the most recent thing. You probably heard about the fire, right?”

Mia and Harper both leaned in, eyes wide .

“ You mean the fire that destroyed the precinct on the outskirts?” Mia asked, disbelief in her voice.

Éowyn nodded. “ Yeah, that’s the one. It was Jeremy…”

“Your ex Jeremy? The one that shot Eric?” Mia asked, eyes wide.

The sound of Eric’s name made her heart flutter. “Yeah, that idiot. He burnt the whole precinct down. My division’s been rehoused here, in the Dauntless compound, indefinitely ”.

She saw the excited look in their eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle. “ I know, I know. It’s a little strange to be back here…but at least we’re together again, right?”

The girls squealed with excitement, clearly happy at the idea of Éowyn being around again. The excitement in the air was palpable, and for a moment, Éowyn allowed herself to feel the warmth of their support.

Harper’s gaze softened. “ So…what’s been going on with your cases? You’re always solving the toughest ones”.

Éowyn leaned back in her seat, letting out a breath. “ Yeah, it’s been a lot”.

She recounted the numerous cases she had worked on—the Amity Abductor case that had made headlines for weeks, the complex, twisted trail that had led her to uncover dark secrets. It had made her name in the Special Ops division. Her chest swelled with pride as she described the breakthrough moments, how the case had brought her team closer together.

Her friends nodded, their faces filled with admiration and respect, but Éowyn couldn’t help the faint pang in her chest. As successful as her career had been, it didn’t erase the personal pain she still carried. She pushed those thoughts aside.

Mia gave her a playful nudge. “ And don’t forget that case with those factionless children! You’re practically a legend now”.

Éowyn smirked at that. “ I’m just doing my job. I was just in the right place at the right time ”.

But as she said the words, she realised that her job had taken over her life—her identity, even.

She quickly changed the subject. “ Anyway, it’s been crazy”.

Éowyn faltered. She took a slow bite of her food, chewing for a moment as her thoughts turned darker.

The question had been lurking in the back of her mind since she’d arrived at the compound, and it spilled out before she could stop it.

“ Have you two seen Eric around? ” she asked, her voice quieter now, a lump forming in her throat at the mention of his name.

Mia raised an eyebrow and leaned back in her chair, clearly surprised. “ Eric? He pops in to see Annie every now and then…”

Harper, who had been listening carefully, leaned in and lowered her voice.

“ You know, Annie refused to speak to him for like three months after he came back from his trip ”. Her words were laced with an edge. “ Because of him breaking up with you…and how he broke up with you, Éowyn. He just…left a note with Four and disappeared without explanation. And Annie wasn’t having it”.

Éowyn blinked, surprised by the weight of Harper’s words. “ What do you mean? What happened?”

Mia’s voice was gentle but firm. “ Well, Annie found out how Eric had broken up with you, and she was furious. We walked in on them having a huge argument in the hallway, and ever since then, their interactions have been…awkward. Strained, really”.

Éowyn felt her stomach twist into a painful knot. “Wow. I had no idea Annie would be that upset”.

Harper shrugged, her tone serious. “ Well, honestly, we all were. You don’t treat people like that, Éowyn”.

Mia nodded in agreement, giving her a reassuring smile. “ Yeah, he messed up. And he broke your heart”.

Éowyn blinked back the sudden rush of tears, guilt clawing at her chest. “ I don’t know. I feel like I could have done something differently, you know? Maybe I could have fixed things, maybe I could have—”

“ Stop ” Mia cut in, her voice firm but kind. “ You didn’t do anything wrong. Eric treated you like crap, Éowyn. He didn’t even have the decency to explain himself to you. It’s not on you. It’s on him”.

Harper gave her a pointed look, her arms crossed. “ And don’t even think about taking any of the blame for his mistakes. He’s the one who screwed things up, not you”.

“What you’re feeling is survivor’s guilt” Mia nodded.

Éowyn snorted. “I’m pretty sure survivor’s guilt doesn’t apply in this instance Mia” she said shaking her head.

“Well you survived a heartbreak” Mia chuckled softly.

Éowyn’s stomach twisted at the memory of her final encounter with Eric. She had never been able to shake the feeling of how cold and distant Eric had been during the last time they were together and how he had cast her aside so effortlessly.

The guilt started to creep in again, along with the bitter taste of the heartbreak he had caused.

She couldn’t help but ask, “ Did…did he…how did he seem to you when he came back?”

Mia and Harper exchanged a brief look, one that didn’t go unnoticed by Éowyn. It was almost like they were trying to figure out how to answer her question.

Harper, as always, was the first to speak.

“ He seemed colder…more than usual ” she said simply, her eyes serious. “ More distant, like he was when we first started initiation. He wasn’t his usual self, not the Eric we knew when you were together”.

Éowyn frowned, the pain in her chest tightening again.

Colder.

That wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but it wasn’t surprising either. Eric had always been unpredictable, but it hurt to know he was still so distant.

But then Mia, ever the soft one, leaned forward and added softly, “ I don’t know…I think he looked sad, without you. I mean, after everything, I think he missed you, Éowyn”.

Éowyn froze, her breath catching at the unexpected words.

Sad?

Eric had never been one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and hearing that people, other than herself had noticed, it made her heart skip a beat.

She was suddenly flooded with conflicting emotions, her chest tightening as if to remind her of everything she’d been through.

Harper, who had been shaking her head slightly at Mia’s words, now rolled her eyes. “ Mia, really? Don’t start with that. Don’t make her think there’s anything more to it. You know how he is. He’s not your responsibility anymore, Éowyn”.

Mia looked at Harper, unfazed.

“ I’m just saying ” she said, shrugging. “ You can’t ignore how someone feels, especially if it’s someone you cared about”.

Harper huffed, clearly exasperated.

She turned back to Éowyn with a more serious tone. “ Don’t think too much into it, okay? Don’t get caught up in whatever Eric’s going through. You don’t need to be getting involved with him again. He hurt you, Éowyn. He’s not worth it”.

Éowyn swallowed, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She had hoped, even just for a second, that maybe he’d come around. That somehow, time and distance would have helped him realise what they had together.

But hearing Mia and Harper’s words, seeing their concern for her, helped ground her. She knew they were right.

She nodded, trying to fight back the mix of emotions building inside.

“ I won’t ” she said, her voice firm, though it still wavered a little. “ I know I need to let it go. It just…hurts, you know? I still care about him, and I don’t even know what to do with that”.

Mia and Harper shared a look again, but this time, they didn’t say anything. They just nodded in understanding.

“ It’s okay to feel that way ” Mia said softly. “ But you’re stronger than him. And you’ve got us”.

Harper nodded too, her face softening with sincerity. “ Don’t go down that road again, Éowyn. You deserve so much better than whatever that was”.

Éowyn managed a small smile, appreciating their unwavering support.

Mia reached over and placed her hand over Éowyn’s.

“ We’ll be here to help you through it ” she said softly. “ No matter what happens, we’ve got your back”.

Éowyn smiled at Mia and Harper, her heart still heavy, but grateful for their kind words.

“ Thank you, both of you” she said softly, her voice tinged with sincerity. “ I can always count on you. And I’m sorry again for not keeping in touch more. I just…got caught up in everything”.

Mia and Harper both smiled warmly at her, and Mia squeezed her hand. “ You don’t have to apologise, Éowyn. We get it. You’ve been through a lot”.

Éowyn sighed, the weight in her chest lightening just a little. “ So…what’s new with you two? Anything exciting?”

Harper looked at Mia, and there was a brief, almost silent exchange between them. Éowyn caught the look and raised an eyebrow. What on earth was going on?

Mia opened her mouth to speak, but it was Harper who leaned in first, her voice low and serious. “ Well, Nova and I…we broke up”.

Éowyn’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “ Wait, what? I thought you two were doing great! What happened?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Harper sighed, running a hand through her hair. “ It was mutual, really. We just…grew apart. Nova got too busy with his job, working security for Eric and everything. And, honestly, we just didn’t have time for each other anymore. It wasn’t anything dramatic”.

Éowyn frowned, feeling a little bad for her friend. “ That’s tough…I’m sorry to hear that”.

Harper gave her a tight-lipped smile.

“It’s okay. We’re still good, just not in that way anymore”. She shrugged, then shot a glance at Mia, who seemed almost…hesitant.

Mia took a deep breath before speaking, her voice more unsure than usual. “ Actually…Harper and I…we’re together now”.

Éowyn blinked, her surprise evident on her face.

“ Wait, what? ” Her eyes darted back and forth between them, trying to make sense of what she’d just heard. “ You two? ” she asked, a mix of shock and confusion in her tone.

Harper reached for Mia’s hand, intertwining their fingers in a simple yet meaningful gesture.

“ Yeah ” Harper said with a soft smile. “ After Nova…we were spending more time together. And, well, we just…clicked. It wasn’t something either of us expected, but it feels right”.

Mia smiled shyly, her fingers squeezing Harper’s. “ Yeah. It just…happened”.

Éowyn stared at them, her shock quickly melting into joy. She couldn’t help the smile that stretched across her face.

“ Oh my god! ” she said, laughing lightly. “ You two are together?! That’s…that’s amazing!”

Mia blushed, but the warmth in her eyes said it all.

Éowyn grinned from ear to ear, feeling truly happy for her friends. “ I’m so happy for you both! Honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better match”.

Harper chuckled, squeezing Mia’s hand. “ Thanks, Éowyn. We’re still figuring it out, but we’re happy”.

Mia nodded, a little more confident now. “ It just feels…right. We both know it’s a bit unexpected, but yeah, like Harper said, we’re happy”.

“I suppose it helped that you two are living together” Éowyn laughed.

Éowyn’s heart felt light as she looked at her two friends. Their bond, even in the face of changes and difficulties, had only grown stronger, and she was genuinely happy for them. “ I’m really glad you found love in each other. It’s nice to see you both so happy”.

Mia grinned and leaned over to bump her shoulder with Éowyn’s. “ You’ll find your happiness, too. You just need time”.

Harper added, “ Yeah. We’ve all got our own paths to follow. And trust me, you deserve someone who’ll treat you right. We all do”.

 

Notes:

Eric will be in a chapter soon, I promise ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter 6: Chapter 5

Summary:

Enter Eric…briefly ;)

Chapter 5

As they walked back towards the infirmary, Éowyn, Mia, and Harper were chatting happily when they ran into George, Billy, and Kelvin. The guys immediately greeted them with smiles, and Éowyn introduced them to the girls, making sure to highlight how amazing Mia and Harper were.

“ These are the girls I’ve told you about ” Éowyn said with a grin, and George, Billy, and Kelvin all gave the girls warm greetings.

They hit it off right away, with Mia and Harper exchanging quick jokes with the guys. Éowyn was glad to see them all getting along—Mia’s sharp wit and Harper’s dry humour matched the boys’ personalities perfectly.

George, always the practical one, got straight to business.

“ Richard gave us a couple of days off to get settled” he said, leaning against the wall with a grin. “ We can finally take a breather after all the chaos”.

Billy chimed in, adding to the excitement. “ And to top it off, we’re going to the pub tonight. Celebrate being back. You in, Éowyn?” He turned to Mia and Harper “you girls are welcome too”.

Éowyn smiled, the thought of unwinding with friends after everything that had happened felt like just what she needed.

“ I’m in ” she said with a nod. “ Definitely sounds like a good plan”.

Harper, who had been quiet for a moment, suddenly perked up. “ I’ll invite Simon and Nova too! It’ll be like old times”.

“ Great idea ” Éowyn said, feeling the old camaraderie rising in her chest.

After a few more laughs and small talk, Éowyn said goodbye to Mia and Harper.

“ See you tonight?” she asked, and both girls nodded enthusiastically.

As she entered the Pit with the guys, a familiar face caught her eye from across the room. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Four standing by the wall, talking to some of the his friends.

Before she could even think twice, she found herself walking briskly toward him, her steps quickening as she neared.

She couldn’t help herself. She ran up behind him, threw her arms around him, and hugged him tightly from behind.

Four let out a soft laugh as he turned around, clearly surprised but pleased to see her. His warm brown eyes met hers, and a slow smile spread across his face.

“ Well, look who it is ” he said softly. “ It’s been a while. How’ve you been, Éowyn?”

The familiar sound of his voice filled her with a sense of comfort. She leaned back slightly to look at him, taking in his face and the way his features softened when he saw her.

She remembered how they spent their last week together—every quiet moment, every laugh shared, every tender word exchanged and every moment of passion.

She missed that closeness.

“ I’ve missed you ” she admitted softly, her voice a little shakier than she expected. “ I really have. Things have been…crazy ”. She smiled faintly, trying to brush off the emotions. “ But, I’m back now”.

She felt an impulse rising in her chest, and before she even thought about it, the words were out. “ We’re going to the pub tonight—want to join us?”

Four’s smile widened, and he nodded.

“ I’d like that. It’s good to see you again, Éowyn ”. He looked around for a moment, catching the eye of one of his friends, then turned back to her. “ I’ve missed you too ”.

They stood there for a moment, the noise of the Pit surrounding them, but Éowyn felt like it was just the two of them in that moment.

As Éowyn and Four continued to talk, the boys—Kelvin, Billy, and George—made their way over, their footsteps growing louder as they approached.

“ Hey ” George greeted with a grin, clearly at ease in Four’s presence.

Éowyn stepped back slightly to make introductions.

“ Guys, this is Four ” she said, gesturing toward him. “ Four, these are the guys from my squad—Kelvin, Billy, and George”.

“ I know Four ” Billy says to Éowyn. “ You alright mate?” He shook Four’s hand.

The three of them exchanged pleasantries with Four, each of them offering firm handshakes and quick, friendly comments. Four smiled at each of them, impressed by the camaraderie and closeness they shared.

“ You’ve got quite the team here ” Four commented, raising an eyebrow as he turned back to Éowyn.

“ This is only half of them. There are three more!” she laughs.

“ Seems like you’re running things already, huh?” Four said warmly.

Éowyn grinned and gave a small shrug.

“ I guess so ”. She gestured back toward her squad, feeling a swell of pride. “ I got promoted to sergeant recently, actually”.

Four’s face lit up in excitement. “ Sergeant? That’s amazing, Éowyn. I knew you’d go far, but that’s seriously impressive. You’ve gotta be the youngest sergeant in Dauntless history”.

She chuckled at his enthusiasm, feeling a sense of accomplishment settle over her.

“ I don’t know about history, but it’s definitely a lot of responsibility”. She glanced at the guys in her squad, who nodded in acknowledgment. “ But these guys make it easier”.

They all laughed, their light-hearted conversation flowing easily as they caught up. But amidst their banter, Éowyn didn’t notice the figure watching them from higher up in the Pit.

Eric stood a floor up, leaning on the railings, his eyes locked on the group and expression unreadable.

His eyes were fixed on Éowyn as she laughed and chatted with her friends, completely unaware of his presence.

He’d known she was coming back—Max had warned him just that morning. But even so, the news had struck him with a mix of emotions. He was elated to know that she was finally back, that he would get the chance to see her again, but the flood of guilt and pain came rushing back all at once. The weight of everything he had done to her hung heavy on his chest.

His eyes flickered at the memory of the way she had greeted Four just now, hugging him from behind with an ease and affection that he couldn’t ignore.

His stomach twisted with a surge of jealousy. It was irrational, he knew it. He had no claim over her anymore, but that didn’t stop the anger and bitterness from rising in his chest as he watched them.

Eric’s jaw tightened slightly as he observed the scene below. He didn’t move or make his presence known, and Éowyn remained blissfully unaware of his gaze as she continued to laugh and chat with her friends.

Éowyn hugged Four one more time before walking away with the other guys, her laughter trailing behind her, and his gaze followed them until they disappeared from view.

He stood there for a moment, frozen, unable to tear his eyes away. Then, he felt a shift in the air—a presence beside him.

Four made his way up the steps, his posture relaxed, but his expression serious. He stood beside Eric and glanced out over the Pit, the tension thick between them.

“ How do you feel about seeing her again?” Four asked, his voice calm but filled with an undercurrent of curiosity.

Eric’s eyes narrowed, his body stiffened slightly. He kept his voice hard and cold, offering no hint of the internal storm churning inside him. “ Why do you care? ”

Four gave him a look, knowing better than to push too hard. “ She’s doing well, you know. Running her own squad now. She’s been busy”.

Eric knew she had been busy. He saw the news headlines from time to time. Her face popping up on tv, listed as the lead investigator on the bigger cases. He tried not to watch, he didn’t want to see how successful she was without him.

Eric didn’t respond, his focus shifting back to where Éowyn had disappeared. His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked as though he was holding something back.

Four hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “ Do you regret what you did? Letting her go?”

Eric stood still, silent for what felt like an eternity. He didn’t want to answer, didn’t want to admit the pain he felt inside. But Four’s question echoed in his mind, and the truth slipped out before he could stop it.

“ Every day ” Eric muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The words tasted bitter in his mouth, but they were true.

Four watched Eric’s rigid posture and the way his gaze was locked on the spot where Éowyn had been just moments ago, and a sharp pang of sympathy twisted in his chest.

Despite all the bitterness between the two men, despite everything that Eric had done to Éowyn, Four couldn’t ignore the hurt he saw in Eric. It was painful to watch, even if he couldn’t completely understand it.

Four hesitated, unsure of how to approach the situation. He glanced sideways at Eric, who was still staring at the ground, his fists clenched.

“ We’re all going to the pub tonight” Four said, his voice softer than before. “ You should come too. Talk to Éowyn. Apologise…clear the air a bit?”

Eric didn’t respond immediately. His eyes flicked toward Four, dark and unreadable. There was a long, charged silence before Eric looked away.

Four didn’t press further, seeing the darkness in Eric’s expression. He turned, taking one last look at his old friend, and walked away without another word.

 

***
Éowyn finished getting ready, glancing at herself in the mirror one last time. Her hair was straightened and flowed down her back.

The outfit was bold: a tight-fitting tube top that hugged her frame, paired with sleek black jeans, her leather jacket slung confidently over her shoulders. Black heels gave her an extra edge, and she completed the look with a black woven choker collar that added a rebellious touch.

Her makeup was thick and smoky, dark eyeliner making her eyes even more intense, a reflection of her determination to face the night—and everything it might bring—with unbreakable confidence.

Éowyn stood in front of the mirror, letting her gaze drift over her reflection.

The tube top she was wearing hugged her figure, exposing a strip of her midriff and the glint of her belly piercing. The top was long enough to cover the large scar on her abdomen, the one Lucas had left, but her fingers brushed absently over it, remembering the pain and everything that scar now symbolised.

Her eyes lifted, tracing up to her chest, where the faint outline of her nipple piercings pressed against the fabric.

She recalled the thrill and defiance of getting them done, the memory surfacing unbidden.

Billy’s ex-girlfriend had been the one to do it—a recommendation he’d made when Éowyn had mentioned offhand that she’d always wanted her nipples pierced. The memory made her smirk, even now. It had felt liberating, in a way she hadn’t expected.

The idea had first struck her when she’d seen Eric’s own piercings. It was a detail of him she’d found unexpectedly captivating, and she’d wanted to claim a piece of that confidence for herself. So, after they’d split, she hadn’t let go of the idea. She’d gone through with it anyway, determined that Eric’s absence wouldn’t dictate the things she wanted for herself.

The memory settled over her like armour now, a reminder of who she was, and who she’d become despite him. She stood a little straighter, taking one last look in the mirror as she readied herself.

Satisfied, she made her way to Valerie and Lucy’s apartment.

She barely had a chance to knock before the door opened, and Lucy stood there looking frazzled, glancing back into her apartment every few seconds.

“ Éowyn! Oh, thank god you’re here ” Lucy breathed, glancing back into the apartment with a helpless look. “ We’ve got a leak—water’s already started pooling, and I’m waiting on the housing department to come and sort it out. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the pub with you guys right away” She sighed, clearly disappointed.

Éowyn frowned. “ A leak? Is it bad?”

Lucy nodded, her brow furrowed. “ Yeah, water everywhere. Valerie and you should go on without me. I’ll catch up later”.

Éowyn and Valerie exchanged a look. Valerie shrugged and patted Lucy’s shoulder. “ We’ll see you there, hopefully”.

Before they could turn to leave, Lucy held out a hand, looking at Éowyn with a hint of hope. “ Actually, Éowyn, could you do me a favour and pick up Timmy from the crèche? It’d be one less thing for me to stress about. I’ll meet you all at the pub once this mess is sorted”.

Éowyn smiled reassuringly. “ Of course, Lucy. Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered”.

Lucy’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and she mouthed a quick ‘ thank you’ before heading back to check on the leak.

Éowyn and Valerie headed out. They exchanged amused looks, Valerie giving Éowyn a once-over.

“ Looking like you’re ready to make an impression tonight” she said, nudging her with a grin.

“ Oh, I am” Éowyn replied with a mischievous smirk.

They laughed as they walked, heading first to the crèche, excitement building for the night ahead.

 

***
Four was just about to leave his apartment, shrugging on his jacket and checking his watch, when a sudden knock at the door made him pause.

He sighed, wondering if it was someone needing a favour or maybe a last-minute faction request that would delay his plans.

Bracing himself, he opened the door, only to find Eric standing there, dressed in a tight black shirt that emphasised his muscled build and black jeans that fit a bit more snugly than the typical Dauntless uniform. His hair was slicked to one side with gel.

Four raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.

Before he could get a word out, Eric spoke first, his voice gruff as he said, “ Are we going or not?”

Four let out a surprised laugh, one that actually felt genuine. “ So you decided to come, then”.

Eric grunted, a noncommittal noise, and crossed his arms but said nothing else.

Four shrugged, deciding not to question the change of heart too much. If Eric had decided he was up for seeing Éowyn again after so long, Four figured he might as well let it play out.

He pulled his door closed behind him, and they started down the narrow, dimly lit corridor, footsteps echoing as they made their way toward the Pit.

As they walked, Four snuck a few glances at Eric, who kept his gaze straight ahead, face set in his usual scowl. He wasn’t sure what had convinced Eric to decide to come.

They descended the steps into the Pit, the familiar sounds of laughter, raised voices, and clinking glasses growing louder.

Four’s gaze flicked to Eric once again, and he thought he saw something close to anticipation flicker in his eyes.

 

 

Chapter 7: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Four and Eric stepped into the pub, the warm lights and hum of conversation washing over them as they pushed through the crowd. The place was packed tonight, with every table filled and laughter ringing out in every corner.

Four glanced around, searching for Éowyn and her group, while Eric kept his usual scowl in place, elbows out as he manoeuvred through the throng of Dauntless regulars.

Then Eric stopped short, his body suddenly tense. Four nearly ran into him, confused, before he saw where Eric’s gaze had frozen.

There, at a table in the back, Éowyn sat with her friends—Nova, Harper, Simon, and Mia—all laughing and chatting. He also saw a group of others with her but he didn’t recognise them.

But what made both Eric and Four’s faces drain of colour was the small baby on Éowyn’s knee. The child was giggling, reaching for Éowyn’s hair with a tiny, chubby hand as she gently bounced the baby up and down, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Eric’s expression was caught somewhere between shock and dread, his gaze fixed on the child. Four noticed his reaction and looked back at Éowyn, his stomach sinking as he realised what was on Eric’s mind.

“ Whose…baby…is that?” Eric asked, his voice unusually strained.

Four swallowed hard. “ I…I don’t know”.

Eric’s jaw tightened. He shifted his weight, fidgeting in a way Four rarely saw from him. “ How old do you think that baby is?”

Four felt his mouth go dry. “ I…I’m not sure ” he stammered, knowing exactly why Eric was asking.

Both of them were thinking it, and both felt an unexpected rush of fear.

Eric’s gaze was glued to the baby, his face stricken as he considered the possibility.

“ You don’t think— ” he started, then cut himself off, running a hand through his gelled hair. “ What if…what if I got her pregnant and…and she didn’t tell me?”

Four’s own nerves were twisting just as much. He hadn’t asked Éowyn about birth control when they’d been together, assuming she’d been careful with Eric and would’ve continued to do so when they were together. But he had no way of knowing for sure.

The thought gnawed at him, a creeping realisation that maybe, just maybe, the child could be his. His mind flashed to those late nights before she’d left for special ops, and he clenched his jaw, wrestling with his own guilt and worry.

Eric suddenly muttered a curse under his breath and turned, striding out of the pub with a desperation that almost seemed out of character. Four quickly followed him, dodging past tables and ignoring the curious stares they were attracting.

Outside, Eric was pacing, his hands clenched into fists.

Four hesitated, standing a few steps away, giving Eric space. The cool air in the Pit hit them both, and Four took a deep breath, hoping it might help him sort through the confusion and panic gripping them both.

Eric ran a hand through his hair, frustration and panic battling for control in his eyes.

“ It couldn’t be mine ” he muttered, pacing in sharp, agitated strides. “ Éowyn was on the birth control injection. She always was. But…” His face twisted with worry. “ What if she didn’t get her last dosage because she was in the infirmary after…after the night Lucas attacked her? If she skipped it… ” His voice dropped as the memory surfaced, raw and painful.

Four stepped forward, his voice steady but soft. “ Eric, you and Éowyn didn’t sleep together after she was attacked and stabbed. She was…dealing with too much, emotionally”.

Eric whipped around, his eyes narrowing, an angry gleam flashing.

“ And how do you know that? ” he demanded, interrupting, his voice low and accusing.

Four held his gaze, his jaw tightening. “ She confided in me, Eric. You left her. After everything she went through, abandoned her with nothing but that callous breakup note…”.

Eric’s face twisted in indignation. “ I didn’t abandon her ” he shot back, though even as he said it, something in his expression faltered.

“ Yes you did…” Four said, his voice edged with bitterness. “ It was tough for her. She was shattered, and you left her to deal with it alone” .

The words hung heavily between them, and for a moment, Eric looked away, his breathing shallow as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Finally, he let out a harsh exhale, forcing himself to slow his breaths.

“ Fine. Whatever. It can’t be mine, then ”. He tried to convince himself, muttering it like an incantation. “ It can’t be mine ”.

But then his jaw clenched as something else dawned on him. “ But who else’s could it be? She…I don’t believe she would actually sleep with someone else? After we—” he broke off, his anger clear.

Four felt his own gut twist uncomfortably. Eric’s words only made him more uneasy, his own guilt surfacing as he shifted from one foot to the other.

He hadn’t told anyone about what happened between him and Éowyn, how he’d been there for her when she was at her lowest. How, in the days after Eric’s abrupt departure, he and Éowyn had found something they both needed in each other, if only briefly.

Four clenched his fists at his sides, torn between loyalty and the growing suspicion gnawing at him that the baby might be his.

Taking a steadying breath, Four forced himself to meet Eric’s gaze. “ Look, why don’t we just…go back in there, say hi, and ask her. Directly. We’ll know whose it is soon enough ”.

His voice came out even, but inside he was reeling, his face pale as he braced himself for whatever truth awaited them.

Eric frowned, noticing the colour drained from Four’s face.

For a second, something seemed to click in his mind, a suspicion brewing, but he didn’t say anything.

Instead, he gave a sharp nod. “ Fine. Let’s go find out”.

Four and Eric returned to the pub, moving through the crowd toward the bar. Four ordered them each a drink, but before he could take a sip, Eric turned to him, looking more on edge than ever.

“ I can’t do it ” he muttered, his hand clenched tightly around his glass.

Four shot him an irritated look. “ Seriously? You shattered Éowyn’s heart into a million pieces. The least you can do is say hi”.

Eric’s jaw clenched defensively. “ You think she actually wants to see me after what I did?”

“ Man up ” Four replied sharply, his patience wearing thin.

In a flash, Eric’s hand shot out, grabbing Four by the front of his shirt and yanking him closer.

“ Watch your mouth, Stiff!” he warned, his voice low and laced with anger. “ Or you’ll regret it”.

Four just sighed, unfazed by Eric’s outburst. “ Fine. If you want to be a coward, then that’s on you ”.

Without waiting for Eric’s response, he shook himself free and strode toward Éowyn and her friends alone.

As Four approached the table, he felt his own nerves simmering beneath his calm exterior. He nodded in greeting as he sat down next to Éowyn, who smiled, surprised but welcoming.

Baby Timmy, perched on her knee, took that exact moment to reach up and grab a handful of Éowyn’s hair, tugging with surprising strength.

“ Ouch!” she exclaimed, but her laugh was warm and unbothered as she gently disentangled his fingers.

Four laughed too, though nervously, his eyes flicking between her and the baby.

“ Is he…is the baby yours? ” he asked, doing his best to keep his tone casual.

Éowyn froze for a split second, and then understanding flickered in her eyes.

She realised exactly what Four was thinking, and a mischievous smile played on her lips.

“ Oh, Four…” She leaned in, lowering her voice so no one else could hear. “ No, Timmy isn’t yours. You’re not the father”.

Four exhaled, visibly relieved, but he still glanced down at Timmy, his curiosity piqued. He took the baby’s tiny hand and let him grasp his finger. “ Then…is he Eric’s? ”

Timmy cooed as his grip became firmer on Four’s finger.

Éowyn’s smirk only grew, and she shrugged nonchalantly, letting the question hang in the air. “ Maybe… ”.

She looked away, stroking the baby’s back, as if fully intending to let him believe that.

Four didn’t press her further, just sighed, nodding as if he’d received the answer he expected.

“ By the way” he added, glancing around the pub, “ Eric’s here tonight, too. Came for a drink with us”.

The smile faded from Éowyn’s face, her heart suddenly racing. She hadn’t seen Eric since that last time eighteen months ago, when he’d shut her out, growing colder and more distant with every passing day.

She still remembered some of his last words, the way he’d asked her for space as if she were just an inconvenience. Her stomach twisted, a mix of anticipation and dread making her feel almost sick.

Four motioned in front of him toward the bar, and Éowyn’s gaze followed, her eyes landing on Eric for the first time since that day in his apartment.

He was standing stiffly near the bar, his expression conflicted, but his eyes locked onto hers the moment she looked at him.

For a long moment, they just stared at each other across the room, the noise of the pub fading into silence. Éowyn could feel the burn of unshed tears threatening to rise, but she forced them down, refusing to show how much he’d hurt her. She held his gaze instead, her anger and pain simmering in the sharp green of her eyes.

Eric’s breath hitched as he took her in. She looked…beautiful. Her hair was shorter now, though still long enough for the brown and auburn to catch the light and gleam.

His stomach twisted as he watched the baby cling to her hair, something deep in him stirring at the way she seemed so effortlessly maternal. And her eyes—emerald, fierce—blazed with emotions he wasn’t ready to face. Swallowing hard, he tried to hold himself steady, feeling all the guilt and vulnerability came flooding back.

Four’s voice inturrupted the staring match. “ You know…Eric thinks the baby is his…”

Éowyn let out a bitter, incredulous laugh, shaking her head.

“What on earth were you thinking, Four, bringing him here?” her voice was low but sharp, her anger tightly contained so as not to upset the baby resting in her lap.

Four shifted uncomfortably, sensing the weight behind her words.

“ Look, he feels badly about…everything ” he said quietly. “ He just wanted to have a drink, to clear the air a bit”.

Éowyn’s eyes flashed. “ If he wants to ‘clear the air,’ he can come over here and tell me himself ”.

Her voice was steady, but the hurt was evident, bubbling just below her calm facade.

The baby in her lap stirred, startled by the tension in her voice, and let out a whimper. Éowyn softened instantly, cradling him and rocking him gently until he settled back down, his little fingers clutching at her shirt.

She glanced back toward the bar, meeting Eric’s gaze again, and for a moment she saw something almost like pain flash in his eyes.

Four, noticing the crack in her composure, hesitated.

“ Éowyn…is…is the baby yours?” he asked again, curiosity still gnawing at him.

“ No, Four, he’s not mine ” Éowyn replied, her tone firmer this time.

Four exhaled in relief. He knew Éowyn and himself weren’t a ‘thing’ but his feelings for her hadn’t lessened in her absence. The thought of her being with someone else and having a baby was distressing for him.

At that exact moment, Lucy walked up, her face flushed from handling the leak at her apartment.

Her eyes lit up as she spotted the baby, her son, and she greeted him cheerfully, loud enough for Eric to hear over the crowd.

“ Hey, there’s my little man!” she said, reaching out with open arms.

Éowyn smiled and handed the baby over, watching Lucy scoop him up in a warm hug while he giggled happily.

Éowyn glanced up toward the bar again. She caught the look of obvious relief in Eric’s expression, and something inside her softened.

Sighing, she turned back to Four. “ Fine ” she said at last. “ He can come sit with us. But he’s only getting one chance”.

Four nodded, relieved, and headed off to get Eric from the bar.

As he moved away, Éowyn turned to the group of friends gathered around her, which included her squad from special ops.

Her voice dropped, her tone firm. “ Listen up. Not one word about Eric and me, understood?”

The group nodded.

Her gaze moved to Harper and Mia, who looked particularly displeased. “ And I mean it—be nice. No antagonising”.

Harper rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “ How can you even be civil to that dick?”

Éowyn gave her a wry smile, the faintest trace of bitterness in her eyes. “ I asked you all to be nice. I never said I intended to be”.

“Ahh I like the way you think” Harper giggled, nudging Mia.

Nova rolled his eyes at his ex and her new girlfriend. “ Don’t be too hard on him” He muttered.

Harper rounded on Nova “ He was an absolute prick to Éowyn, Nova! Just because he’s your boss doesn’t mean you should stick up for his moronic choices!” Harper hissed.

“ Shhh ” Éowyn quickly said as Eric and Four approached the table.

Éowyn focused intently on George, who sat across the table, already halfway through his drink and looking far too pleased with himself.

She noticed Four and Eric slip into the seats beside her, with Four settling in close on her right and Eric next to him.

She forced herself to ignore the unsettling feeling Eric’s presence stirred, leaning forward to address George instead, searching for anything to talk about that wouldn’t remind her of the man sitting just feet away.

“ So, George ” she began, keeping her tone casual, “ did you get a chance to review the latest evidence on the Candor Killer case?”

George chuckled, waving his hand dismissively.

“ Ah, Éowyn, don’t bring work into the pub. We’re supposed to be taking a break, remember?” his words slurred slightly, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of alcohol.

She rolled her eyes but managed a half-smile, glad for the distraction.

But the truth was, her mind wasn’t on work, and it certainly wasn’t on George. It was painfully aware of the man sitting just out of her line of sight.

She kept her focus on Lucy, who was across the table, bottle-feeding Timmy, who drank contentedly in his mother’s arms.

But then Four nudged Eric, tilting his head in Éowyn’s direction as if telling him to make the first move. Eric let out a small sigh, then cleared his throat, the sound making Éowyn’s shoulders tense.

She glanced up without thinking, her gaze locking onto his, and her heart stammered in her chest.

They stared at each other for a moment that stretched out, almost as if the rest of the room faded away. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Éowyn truly looked at him, taking in the familiar lines of his face.

He looked tired, more worn around the edges, but still strikingly beautiful. His light hair was shaved on the sides like normal but the top was slightly longer than he’d used to keep it, giving him an edge that somehow made him even more arresting. His piercing blue eyes held that same intensity she remembered, the kind of gaze that always made her feel as though he could see right through her, to the depths of everything she tried to hide.

Her eyes drifted to the tattoos on his neck and the ink snaking down his arms, his muscles tense as he kept them folded over his chest. Every inch of him seemed to exude strength and a confidence that hadn’t faded, even after all they’d been through.

Without meaning to, her gaze flicked to his lips, and a surge of memory made her scold herself inwardly. This wasn’t the time. She couldn’t let herself get caught up in the past.

“ Hi ” he managed, his voice barely more than a whisper, coming out choked as if the words themselves were catching in his throat.

“ Hello ” she replied curtly, her voice steady, though she forced it out with an effort.

Then, carefully, she turned her attention back to the rest of the group, trying to ignore the way her pulse was pounding, how the warmth of his gaze lingered on her even after she’d looked away.

 

Notes:

Soz to end it there tehe 🤭

Chapter 8: Chapter 7

Summary:

Get ya 🍿 ready ;)

TW:

Drug usage.

Chapter 7

Over the next couple of hours, the drinks kept coming, flowing freely between them all. Laughter and stories filled the air, but despite the easy camaraderie around them, Éowyn and Eric had barely exchanged another glance, let alone a word.

They seemed caught in an unspoken agreement to stay silent, to avoid the pull that threatened to resurface.

Eventually, Lucy rose with Timmy sleeping soundly in her arms, announcing her goodnight. Everyone waved their goodbyes, Éowyn giving her friend a small smile as Lucy left.

Harper leaned over and whispered, “ Are you okay? ”

“ Yeah ” Éowyn replied, but they both knew she wasn’t. She felt Harper squeeze her arm gently before pulling back.

Suddenly, George came stumbling over with 2 trays full of Jägerbombs, looking all too triumphant despite his wavering balance.

He nearly tripped on the way, grinning at his own near fall.

“ Got us some fuel! ” he announced, sliding the trays onto the table with a loud clatter.

He glanced over at Éowyn, eyes wide and expectant.

“ Come on, Sarge! ” he shouted when he noticed she hadn’t grabbed one yet.

With a reluctant eye roll, she picked up one of the shots. She was just about to down it when Eric’s voice broke through.

“ You’re a Sergeant?”

She lowered the glass, her eyes narrowing slightly. “ Yes ” she replied, trying to sound casual.

Four cleared his throat, standing up from his seat with a casual stretch. “ I’m going to grab another drink…” he said, shooting a look between Éowyn and Eric. “ Be nice kids”.

Éowyn shot him a withering glare, one that would’ve made anyone else recoil, but Four just raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

She could see through him, though. He was pushing them together, hoping they’d become civil towards each other.

As Four walked away, leaving her alone with Eric, Éowyn felt her pulse quicken.

She took a slow breath, knocked back her shot, and turned her attention back to Eric, who seemed just as unsettled by Four’s sudden exit.

Eric gazed back at her “ So a Sergeant huh?” He raised his pierced eyebrow as if he couldn’t quite believe it.

God! She hated it when he raised his eyebrow like that… because she loved it so much!

“ Got promoted four months ago ” she informed at him bluntly. But then, unable to hold back, she added, “ You’d know that if you hadn’t blocked my number and abandoned me”.

It was a petty jab but she did promise Valerie she would be the pettiest. She caught Valerie’s gaze and smirked slightly before glancing back at Eric.

Eric’s jaw tightened at the jab, and his gaze darkened, holding hers in a sharp glare. He didn’t respond, but she could see the way his fingers tightened into a fist.

Without another word, he took a shot, sliding closer to reach the tray but stopping just shy of sitting directly next to her.

She tossed another shot back, feeling the warm burn of alcohol settle in her stomach as she set the glass down, defiantly meeting his gaze.

Eric leaned back slightly, downed his own shot and then glanced at her with a faint hint of something between curiosity and hesitation. As he leaned to put the glass back on the tray, he caught the familiar scent of her perfume and it made him nostalgic.

Eric’s gaze slipped down, lingering on her lips before drifting lower. His eyes caught on her chest, where the subtle but unmistakable outline of her nipple piercings pressed through the thin fabric of her top.

He stared, momentarily captivated by the unexpected sight, his pupils darkening as a flicker of something familiar and undeniable sparked within him.

For a moment, he couldn’t pull his gaze away, his mind flashing back to memories that he’d tried to bury. The idea that she’d gone through with something she’d once only mentioned in passing stirred something in him—a mixture of desire and regret.

But he quickly forced himself to snap out of it, breaking his stare and straightening as he looked away, clearing his throat as if to shake off whatever had just come over him.

“ You cut your hair ” he said after a moment, his voice soft but with a hint of accusation, as if surprised she would change something so familiar and something he loved so much.

Éowyn felt a small flash of amusement rise in her now that the alcohol was hitting her system. She remembered his fascination with her hair.

“ Yeah ” she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “ Though it’s actually longer than when I first cut it. Was above my shoulders then; now it’s nearly to my elbows”.

Eric looked at her, as if absorbing the idea. “ It’s…grown, then” he says absentmindedly.

She let out a short, dry laugh at the obvious observation.

“ Yeah ” she replied, unable to resist a touch of sarcasm. “ That’s what hair does”.

Eric tensed his jaw and leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning her for a moment before he spoke.

“ You haven’t changed ” he said, his voice deep and his gaze held that same familiar intensity.

Éowyn stiffened, feeling a surge of defensiveness rush through her. “ What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, her tone sharp.

He smirked, his expression laced with amusement. “ You’re still the same stubborn Princess after all this time”.

The word Princess hit her like a slap. It churned something deep inside her, a feeling she knew would eventually present itself but wasn’t quite ready for it. Her grip tightened on the empty glass in her hands.

It made her stomach churn, the weight of the nickname he used to call her, the one she had once found endearing but now felt hollow, and even cruel.

She could see the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes as he caught her reaction.

“ Don’t call me that” she snapped, her voice tight with frustration. “ I’m not your Princess . And it’s pretty clear I never was!”

The rest of the group looked over at them, not knowing what was going on.

Eric’s smirk faltered for a moment, the shift in his expression betraying his surprise. Then, almost as if he hadn’t heard her, his gaze grew dark and he leaned in closer to her. “ You’ll always be mine, Éowyn. You know that”.

He hesitantly reached his hand out and brushed her hair to the side, revealing the top of the tattoo he had inked onto her spine, peeking out from her top.

She froze in place at his touch.

“You have my tattoo on your back” he whispered. He trailed his finger slowly down from the nape of her neck along her spine and back up again. She shivered involuntarily, earning a smirk from him.

The sensation of his touch sent shocks through her whole body. She hadn’t expected him to touch her and she wasn’t sure if she liked it or hated it.

Her gaze caught Harper and Mia’s and they looked uncomfortable watching Eric touch her. Her gaze shifted to George across the table. He was leaning in, looking like he was going to intervene but hesitantly waiting for her approval.

Eric leant even closer, his lips brushing her ear. Her eyes went wide at how close he was. Her body burned with embarrassment, a deep flush running over her skin.

His finger stopped in the middle of her spine where she knew the heart and tiara lay.

“ My Princess” he purred into her ear and he poked at the space where he knew his mark was.

Her chest tightened at his words. The tattoo had once been something she cherished, a symbol of their connection. But now it felt like a weight, a reminder of a time she wished she could forget.

Without thinking, Éowyn slammed her empty shot glass down onto the table, the sound of glass hitting wood cutting through the noise of the pub.

Eric shot back in his seat, obviously aware he had pushed too hard, too fast.

For a brief moment, the entire place went silent, and she felt all eyes on her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she quickly stood up from the table.

“ Enough! Don’t…touch…me !” she spat at Eric, her voice barely above a whisper as she emphasised every word.

She turned to her friends. “ Goodnight guys ” she said quickly, brushing past Four, who had just returned with his drink. She didn’t stop. She couldn’t.

With a mix of anger, sadness, and something that felt a lot like betrayal rising in her chest, Éowyn rushed out of the pub and toward the elevator. Her hands shook as she pressed the button, the sound of the pub fading into the background as the elevator doors slid shut.

The moment they closed, she let out a shaky breath, her body trembling as she sank against the wall. And then, before she could stop herself, the tears came—hot and fast, streaming down her face as she finally allowed herself to feel the weight of everything she had been holding in. The loss, the pain, the memories she had tried so hard to bury.

She let herself cry, her makeup running down and smudging her cheeks. The sound of her own sobs was the only thing that mattered in that moment, as the elevator rose toward her apartment.

 

***
Four watched Éowyn’s figure disappear as she fled the pub, weaving quickly through the tables and out the door.

Concern flickered across his face as he turned back to Eric, his brow furrowed. “ What did you say to her?”

Eric shrugged dismissively but he looked forlorn as he stared at the place Éowyn had left.

“ I called her Princess ” he replied. “… there may have also been some words about her always being mine… ” Eric said to Four hesitantly.

“ Seriously? Why would you mess with her? What’s wrong with you? ” Four shot at him, exasperated.

“ Forgot how sensitive she can be” he replied. He was regretting his actions now. He hadn’t wanted to upset her, he just wanted to tease her a little bit, thinking it would bridge the gap between them.

He was definitely out of practise with this whole human connection thing.

Four stared at him, disbelieving, but before he could respond, George—a little unsteady on his feet, visibly drunk but no less determined—pushed forward.

“ Sensitive?” George’s voice was louder than usual, carrying a protective edge as he squared up to Eric. “ You think you can just walk back in and throw names at her like that? Touch her like that! After what you did?”

Eric’s gaze hardened, his stance shifting to meet George’s challenge. He wasn’t one to back down, especially in the face of a confrontation. He already knew he had messed up, he didn’t need this blonde pretty-boy reminding him.

Across the table, Harper and Mia exchanged worried glances, their hands half-raised as if ready to intervene, while Nova shot up to his feet, moving protectively behind Eric.

Meanwhile, Billy, Kelvin, and Dominic stood as well, their focus locked on George as they prepared to back him up.

George jabbed a finger in Eric’s direction, his voice tense and slurred with drink.

“ I’m not going to let you hurt her again, you hear me?” His fists clenched, and he looked seconds away from taking a swing.

Just as George pulled his arm back, Four quickly stepped in between them, one hand on George’s chest and the other in the air as he tried to calm everyone down.

“ Easy, boys. This isn’t the time nor place for this” Four’s voice was steady, though his eyes flicked warily between Eric and the others. “ Let’s just all take a step back”.

Eric’s jaw tightened as he watched George’s fierce protectiveness over Éowyn. A nasty thought crept into his mind, twisting his expression.

Were George and Éowyn…together?

He felt his blood surge with an ugly combination of jealousy and anger.

Four shot the group an apologetic look as he turned to Eric, nodding toward the door. “ I think it’s best if we leave”.

Without waiting for more trouble to brew, Four steered Eric out of the pub, ignoring the glares from the rest of the group.

Once they were a few steps away from the entrance, Eric pulled his arm from Four’s grip, anger flashing in his eyes.

“ This was a mistake, coming here tonight ” he snapped.

Four sighed, his expression weary. “ Maybe, but you wanted to see her, remember? Not everyone’s ready to move past what happened. Not even you, if you’re being honest”.

Eric’s mouth tightened, but he didn’t reply.

“ Why would you mess with her? It’s obvious she would be upset with everything that you did. Why make it worse? What’s wrong with you?” Four shot at him as they stepped into the elevator.

Eric’s jaw tensed, his eyes flickering with something that looked almost like guilt, though he quickly masked it. He didn’t have an answer.

The truth was, when he’d seen her sitting there—so composed, so strong, acting like his presence meant nothing to her—it had struck something deep and uncomfortable inside him. She was a Sergeant now, for god’s sake. She clearly didn’t need him, had probably never needed him. And it bothered him more than he wanted to admit…but he did…

“ She seems… ” he sighs angrily “I don’t know! She seems so put together…I thought she would be broken ”.

Four observed him in silence, his gaze steady. “ Seriously? Are you honestly that conceited? Surely you must have known she would move on eventually?”

The elevator door opened and they stepped out onto their floor level.

“ What the hell do you know ” Eric spat at Four, halting him before he could walk to his apartment door.

Four studied Eric’s face and it suddenly dawned on him. “ You’re insecure aren’t you”.

The words struck a nerve. Eric’s face twisted with anger, and he glared at Four, stepping closer.

“ Insecure? Please ”. His tone was mocking, defensive. “ I’m not some…pansy like you, Stiff! I don’t sit around wondering what people think about me, or pining over people”.

Four raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Eric’s outburst.

“ Really? Because that’s exactly what it looks like”. Four’s tone was calm, almost resigned, as if he’d known Eric long enough to see through this defense mechanism. “ You can’t stand seeing her so…settled. So independent”.

Eric scoffed, averting his gaze, but he couldn’t quite shake the feeling Four’s words left behind.

 

***
As Éowyn rushed into her apartment, slamming the front door behind her, the echo filling the empty silence. She leaned against it, sliding down until she sat on the floor, her knees pulled to her chest. Her shoulders shook as sobs ripped through her, and she buried her face, trying to muffle the sounds as if somehow she could hide this from herself.

The walls of her apartment felt like they were closing in as her scream tore through the quiet. Anger and heartbreak crashed over her as she choked out, “ How could he still get to me? After everything…”

She’d fought so hard to build this version of herself—someone strong, independent, someone who wouldn’t flinch in the face of her past. But just one look, one careless word from him, one simple touch, and she felt like her armour had cracked, leaving her raw and broken all over again.

The sobs eventually quieted, but an all-too-familiar impulse throbbed through her. She needed her serum, the one thing that made everything fade, if only for a while.

She wiped her face, smearing makeup all over her arm, took a shaky breath, and forced herself up, stumbling toward her bedroom.

Her hand shook as she reached into the battered drawer of her bedside table and pulled out the small syringe.

She sat on the edge of her bed, tightening the tourniquet around her arm with practiced efficiency. As she injected the red bliss serum, warmth spread through her veins, bringing a comforting numbness to drown out the hurt and anger.

She sank back onto the bed, exhaling slowly as everything faded into a soft, distant haze.

All the pain, the heartbreak, the memories—they drifted away, and for a little while, everything felt better again.

 

Notes:

🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿

If that wasn’t explosive enough for you…don’t worry! There will be another meeting that just may be even worse ;)

Chapter 9: Chapter 8

Summary:

TW:

References to drug usage.
Themes of dubious consent.

Chapter 8

In her serum-induced haze, Éowyn drifted into a deep, surreal sleep, only to find herself standing in the midst of a fiery, crumbling building. The heat and smoke wrapped around her, making it hard to breathe, and panic clawed at her chest.

She was in the burning precinct, trapped, desperately searching for a way out.

Suddenly, within the flames, she saw a face—Jeremy’s. His eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to scorch her skin, and she staggered back, feeling the heat press closer, almost consuming her. Her heart raced as she spun around, searching for an escape, for a familiar face, for anything that could help.

The fire crackled ferociously and there was a confusing knocking sound. It was all too overwhelming.

Then, through the roar of the fire, she heard a voice calling her name.

Four’s voice, calm and steady, reaching out to her even though she couldn’t see him. It gave her a sliver of hope, a tether to cling to, but she still felt alone in the heart of the flames.

Then, as if untouched by the fire, Eric appeared. He stepped out of the flames with an eerie calmness, his face softened, his gaze warm as he approached her.

He reached out, his hand brushing her cheek as though the fire didn’t exist.

“ I’ll always come for you ” he murmured, his voice filled with a certainty that made her heart twist.

Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her, his lips pressing passionately against hers as the world around them seemed to melt away.

But even in the dream, Four’s voice continued to echo, calling her name, as the loud knocking sound grew more insistent.

Éowyn jolted awake, heart pounding, the memory of the kiss lingering as she blinked against the darkness of her bedroom.

The knocking sound continued, grounding her back into reality. Still foggy from the serum, she wobbled as she climbed out of bed and made her way to the door, barely able to keep her balance.

When she opened it, she saw Four standing there, a soft grin spreading across his face.

“ Sorry for waking you ” he said, studying her. “ I just wanted to check in, see how you were doing after…everything with Eric”.

Éowyn blinked, still dazed, her thoughts sluggish but oddly content, feeling the blissful effects of the serum dulling her emotions. Right now, Eric and the night’s tension felt distant, as if buried behind a layer of fog.

“ What time is it? ” she asked, her voice soft.

“ Gone midnight ” he replied, his eyes scanning her face with concern. “ You look like you need a friend”.

Without hesitation, she stepped back, gesturing him inside. “ Come on in”.

Éowyn stumbled her way over to the couch, and with a dramatic flourish, flung herself onto it, landing in a heap and giggling as she sprawled out.

Four watched her, crossing his arms, a smirk tugging at his mouth. “ How much did you have to drink tonight?” he asked, amused.

She waved a hand, mumbling something about a serum, then laughed again, her eyes half-closed and her words trailing off.

Four raised an eyebrow but decided not to press her on it.

He moved to sit beside her on the worn-out couch, but before he could settle in, Éowyn clambered onto his lap, her arms looping loosely around his neck.

Four chuckled, shaking his head. “ Why do you always end up on people’s laps?” he teased.

She blinked up at him, her eyes hazy, and her mouth twisted in a lopsided grin.

“ Because…this way, I can be as close as possible ” she slurred, her words soft and innocent as she rested her head on his shoulder.

He laughed, his gaze warm as he looked down at her, and she tilted her head, studying his face before asking in a quiet voice, “ Did you miss me?”

Her lips brushed against his neck, and his breath hitched involuntarily as a familiar warmth stirred inside him. Her fingers traced gentle lines along his shoulder as she kissed his neck, her touch making him aware of how close they really were.

He could feel himself hardening and hoped to god she didn’t feel it while sitting on top of him. He forced himself to focus, to remember that she wasn’t herself right now.

“ Yeah, I missed you” he admitted, his voice gentle, his hand resting on her back. “ But I think you’re only doing this… ” he gestured to her actions “…because of Eric upsetting you”.

She pulled back, pouting, her brows knitting together in frustration.

Éowyn tilted her head up at Four, her eyes wide and hopeful.

“ Maybe I just want to kiss you ” she murmured, her lips brushing his cheek. “ Come on. Just kiss me”.

Four shook his head, firm but gentle. “ No, Éowyn, not like this”.

She pouted, undeterred, and reached up, capturing his lips with her own.

The last person she had kissed before leaving, was Four. And now he was the first when she returned. It felt right to her in that moment. She had craved this type of physical contact.

She’d basically lived like a nun for the last 18 months.

Four froze, torn, but as she kissed him, the familiar feelings he’d tried to bury began to surface.

Her arms tightened around him, and he couldn’t help himself; he kissed her back, his mind clouded by the softness of her mouth and the warmth between them.

She moaned softly, pulling him closer, but after a few moments, he forced himself to pull away, though he felt the loss immediately.

“ We can’t” he said softly, his hands still resting on her shoulders. He looked into her eyes, seeing the haze there, the fog of her intoxicated state. “ You’re drunk and…then there’s Eric…” he trailed off.

Éowyn laughed, the sound light and giggly from the serum even though her words were painful. “ Eric doesn’t love me, or he wouldn’t have hurt me. Don’t worry about hiiiiiiiiiim” she sung at the end.

She kissed his neck again, and he sighed, conflicted and a bit frustrated, his fingers gently brushing her arm. He pulled back to look into her blood shot eyes and noticed how abnormally large her pupils were.

“ What have you taken, Éowyn?” he asked, his voice low with concern.

“ Bliss ” she admitted with a giggle, leaning back and resting her head on his shoulder.

Her smile was dazed, and he nodded, now understanding her odd behaviour. He couldn’t judge. He was no stranger to substance abuse to deal with painful memories.

Without another word, he lifted her carefully into his arms, carrying her into her bedroom. She laughed and leaned into him, swinging her legs up and down over his arm. He gently set her down on her single bed, tucking her in.

“ I’ll talk to you in the morning” he said, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. “ When you’re sober ”.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes, snuggling beneath the duvet, already looking comfortable and at peace.

He wasn’t sure how lucid she actually was but made a mental note to keep an eye on her serum usage.

As he turned to leave, she reached out, grabbing his hand. Her eyes softened, and she looked up at him with a sleepy smile. “I really did miss you”.

He nodded, his expression gentle. “ I know. I missed you too”.

With one last look, he let go of her hand and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

 

***
Éowyn stirred awake, her head pounding, the familiar dull ache of a serum come-down pressing against her temples. She groaned, reaching blindly for her com on the bedside table.

Squinting at the screen, she saw a list of missed calls—two from George, one from Mia, five from Harper, two from Valerie, and one from Simon. She sighed and typed a quick message, sending it to all of them:

 

Éowyn : I’m fine, went home to get some rest. See you later.

 

After pressing send, she let the com fall onto the bed beside her and laid back, staring at the ceiling.

The events from the night before started trickling back, and with each memory, anger flared fresh in her chest.

Eric—his nerve, calling her Princess as if nothing had changed. As if he hadn’t shattered her heart. The audacity!

The memory of the end of the night floated up, and she blushed, recalling the soft comfort of Four’s presence on the couch, how close they’d been. She couldn’t remember much but she did remember the kisses.

She groaned again, embarrassed at the hazy memory of practically throwing herself at him.

Determined to shake off the lingering feelings, she got up and stepped into a hot shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of the serum’s effects and her frustration. The warmth helped, grounding her, but her mind kept returning to Four’s concerned face as he carried her to her room.

After dressing, she slipped out of her apartment and made her way to Four’s.

Standing in front of his door, she hesitated for a second before knocking.

Almost immediately, the door opened, and Four stood there, looking a little tired but pleased to see her. His face softened, and he stepped aside, motioning her in.

“ Morning ” he said with a small smile, watching as she walked past him into the apartment.

“ Morning ” she replied, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.

Éowyn glanced around Four’s apartment, noting the familiar clutter of empty bottles still scattered across the tables and counters.

But in the corner, her feature wall—an intricate display made up of carefully stacked and arranged bottles of beer, wine, and spirits—still stood, proudly intact. A smile spread across her face as she took it in, and she turned to him, eyes bright with a mix of surprise and warmth.

“ You kept it ” she said, her voice touched with genuine appreciation.

Four looked down, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks.

“ It was too good to get rid of ” he admitted with a soft smile. “ And…it reminded me of you ”.

The hint of colour on her own cheeks deepened, and for a moment, they both seemed wrapped up in a quiet, shared memory.

He gestured to the couch, and she sat down beside him. There was a comfortable silence before she cleared her throat, awkwardly meeting his gaze.

“ Look, I’m…I’m sorry for throwing myself at you last night. It was stupid and insensitive…especially after how we ended before I left…” she said, a little embarrassed.

Four waved it off with a reassuring smile. “ It’s fine, Éowyn. I know you were on a serum…and upset about what happened with Eric ”. He leaned back, giving her space to share if she wanted to.

She took a shaky breath, her fingers fidgeting with a loose thread on the couch cushion.

She started to recall what had happened when Four had gotten up to leave Eric and Éowyn to talk last night.

“ And then when Eric… ” she said, her voice faltering as she recalled the sting of what happened next. “ When he ran his finger up my spine tattoo and said I’ll always be his because I carry his mark—it just…it got to me ” she said, her tone growing hard. “ Like he could just claim me, no matter what. Especially after everything he did…”.

Four’s face darkened with a flicker of sympathy and anger.

“ That’s not fair of him ” he murmured. “ He had no right to do or say that. I understand why you would leave following something like that…”.

Éowyn nodded, sighing. She needed to move past it, at least for now. She shifted in her seat, trying to lighten the moment as she turned back to him. “ Enough about him. How’ve you been?”

Four shrugged, giving a faint smirk. “ Same as usual”.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “ Still drinking your pain away? ” she asked gently, tilting her head and glancing at how messy the apartment had gotten in her absence.

He looked away for a second, then nodded. “ Yeah…guess that’s my way of getting through it”.

She gave him a sad smile, understanding all too well.

“ I’m doing the same with the bliss serum ” she admitted softly, the weight of her words settling between them. She remembered telling him about the serum last night.

She never kept it a secret, her whole squad was aware of her addiction, as was Richard.

Four didn’t flinch or judge; instead, he looked at her with a quiet acceptance, and she felt a sense of relief. They were both broken, each coping with their pain in their own way, but at least they could understand each other in this. A fragile connection, but real.

Four cleared his throat, his gaze dropping to his hands before meeting her eyes with a quiet intensity.

“ Listen, Éowyn ” he began, hesitating for a second. “ I know…you told me not to wait for you when you left. And I haven’t, I promise. But if you’d like to go for a drink sometime, just you and me…just let me know”.

Éowyn felt her heart skip. She hadn’t expected him to bring this up, and a mixture of emotions tangled within her.

Her gaze dropped as she searched for the right words, but Four pressed on, sensing her hesitation.

“ I know” he said softly, “ you’re still…well, you’re still kinda hung up on Eric and everything that happened. I get it. I just—”

Éowyn interrupted him gently, placing her hand on his thigh, looking up with a small, grateful smile. “ I would like that. Really, I would. But I’ve only just got back, and my mind is…”

She trailed off, searching for the right way to say it. “ My mind’s just not in the right place yet. Give me a couple of weeks, so I can settle in and get my head straight”.

Four’s face softened, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He gave a small nod as she retracted her hand “ Yeah, of course. No pressure. Whenever you’re ready”.

A comfortable silence fell between them, and Éowyn felt a sense of relief. Just knowing he was there, patient and understanding, was enough for now.

Four rubbed the back of his neck, leaning slightly forward as he recalled the events of last night. “ You should probably know…after you left last night…well, George kind of squared up to Eric. He didn’t like the way he upset you” he said, glancing at her for a reaction.

Éowyn rolled her eyes with a sigh. “ Of course he did. George gets ridiculously protective when he’s drunk. He thinks he’s my personal guard dog or something. He means well though”.

Four gave a small smile but continued, “ Yeah, well, Eric wasn’t too happy about it. I had to step between them before things got worse. Your work squad backed George up—and then Nova backed up Eric. It was tense, to say the least”.

Éowyn shifted uncomfortably at this, the thought settling heavily in her mind. The clash of her two worlds—her close friends from before, and her new squad since joining special ops—made her feel unexpectedly vulnerable. Her friends from both sides had never really mixed before, and now, seeing them literally pitted against each other made her stomach twist.

She exhaled slowly, nodding more to herself than to Four. “ I’ll…I’ll have to talk to them. All of them. Make sure they understand that I don’t need anyone fighting my battles for me”.

“Sounds like a good idea” Four nodded his approval.

 

Chapter 10: Chapter 9

Summary:

TW:

Themes of abduction.
Mentions of drink spiking.

Notes:

Disclaimer!!!
I am no expert in criminology nor the techniques used to identify and apprehending suspects/criminal. Please be kind if you wish to correct me on anything, but I am very welcome to corrections or critiques. :)

Chapter 9

Éowyn strolled through the crowded market in the Pit, weaving between stalls and shops as she admired pieces for her new apartment.

She had wanted to spend the time off work to herself, to gather her thoughts and focus on something other than the chaos that had stirred since she’d come back.

Her first stop was the fabric section, where she immediately spotted a pair of light mint-blue curtains decorated with delicate white feather patterns.

They were perfect for her bare living room windows, and she could already imagine them softening the room’s light. She picked up a few matching couch cushions and mentally planned to buy new furniture further down the line.

Éowyn continued her afternoon of shopping, eager to get her new apartment fully equipped as possible and feeling like home.

She picked out a complete set of pots and pans, shiny and sturdy, imagining how much better it would be to cook with proper cookware. She didn’t want to live on the canteen food completely. She added a set of utensils and other essentials—spatulas, tongs, and a set of high-quality knives.

Deeper into the shops, a wooden coffee table caught her eye. It was stained a deep, warm colour that emphasised the grain, giving it an authentic, rustic charm. She ran her hand over the surface, appreciating the feel of the wood beneath her fingers. This piece was coming home with her.

At the last minute, she spotted a microwave on display and realised her kitchen was missing one. With that added to her cart, she headed toward the furniture section.

As she approached the larger displays, her eyes landed on a tall, elegant cabinet. It had a dark wood finish, polished to perfection, with glass-paneled doors that would allow her to showcase bottles and glassware.

The piece immediately reminded her of Four’s alcohol cabinet back at his place, something that had always struck her as effortlessly stylish and functional. She imagined it filling the empty wall by her kitchen, and she knew it was a perfect fit. Without hesitation, she arranged to have it delivered to her apartment, already envisioning the setup.

Picturing everything in her place, she felt a renewed sense of excitement. It was her space, her fresh start, and each piece she chose made it feel a little more like home.

Once she was finished, she dialed George, knowing she’d need a second pair of hands to carry everything back to her apartment.

When he arrived, they loaded up her new finds, navigating the trip to her place. Once inside, they set everything down in the living room.

Éowyn took a step back, already feeling more at ease with the fresh, calming atmosphere starting to take shape.

As they were catching their breath, George broke the silence. “ So…about Eric—”

Éowyn held up a hand, her expression flat. “ No. I’m sick of talking about him, George. I need a break from Eric and everything that comes with him”.

George nodded, a little taken aback but respecting her boundaries. “ Alright, alright. Just looking out for you.”

“I know ” she said. She didn’t mean to have sounded so rude.

She took a breath. “Four told me you squared up to Eric after I left last night” her gaze softened . “Thank you, but there was no need. I don’t need you guys fighting with my other friends. We should all be friends together”.

George nodded. “ I know, I have no problem with them, it’s just him and what he did to you. I could see how uncomfortable you were when he leant in and touched you…what exactly did he say?”

Éowyn sighed and recounted what had happened and what was said. She could see anger flare in George’s eyes as she finished.

“ That absolute wanker!” George yelled, throwing himself down onto the couch.

“I know, I know” she said, joining him on the couch. “I’m not happy with it either but we’re both going to have to learn to deal with seeing each other around” s he shrugged.

“ And work together ” George huffed.

Éowyn froze.

She didn’t think of that before. Eric was the head of security. It was extremely likely she would work with him on cases and probably see him every day.

How did she not realise this before?

“ Great, more stress” she sighs. She watches George kick his feet up on the new coffee table.

Irritated, she pushes his feet away. “ Feet off the table Georgie-boy” .

She couldn’t help but crack a smile as he gives her a sassy look.

 

***
Éowyn’s two days off had flown by far too quickly, and now she found herself in the largest meeting room in Dauntless, setting up for her monthly presentation.

Today, she was going over her involvement in the Amity Abductor case, as Richard had asked her to put together a presentation to detail the steps and strategies that had led to his capture.

This case had been intense and required every bit of her patience and skill, and she was proud of her role in the outcome.

Her team trickled into the room to help her set up, offering words of encouragement and making small talk. Just as she started to feel a bit more relaxed, Richard came over, a cautious look in his eyes.

“ I heard about your run in with Eric the other night ” he said quietly, lowering his voice. “ Are you doing all right?”

Éowyn felt the tension spike immediately.

She forced herself to breathe through the frustration that bubbled up at the mention of Eric. Why did everyone insist on bringing him up? It was as if he’d been following her like a shadow ever since she got back.

She rolled her eyes, annoyed.

“ I’m fine, Richard” she replied, keeping her tone neutral. “ I just want to forget about him and focus on my work”.

But Richard didn’t let it drop. Instead, he cleared his throat, and the look on his face grew a bit more serious. “ Yeah…about that…I wanted to tell you before the meeting started…Eric’s going to be here, in the meeting”.

She froze, her fingers hovering over her laptop. She looked up sharply. “ What? Why would he need to be here?”

Richard shifted, trying to choose his words carefully. “ The work you did on this case—your strategies, the red flags you identified—are invaluable to all the departments, especially his. I know it’s not ideal, but this presentation will help them better understand what to look for. More people with our training couldn’t hurt right?”

Éowyn swallowed hard, clenching her jaw as her stomach churned. It was difficult to argue against Richard’s reasoning; she knew he was right. But the idea of presenting in front of Eric, of him watching her every move, was nerve-wracking. She took a deep breath and nodded stiffly.

“ Fine ” she said, her voice tense.

Richard gave her a sympathetic look. He was well aware what Eric had put her through. He hadn’t known back when he offered Éowyn the job, but as the months went on, she opened up to him.

He would never admit it to Éowyn, but he kind of got the impression Eric wanted her out of the way. That’s why Eric had approached him and recommended her.

Although, it had worked in both their favours because Éowyn was one of Richard’s best. Eric may have had an ulterior motive in recommending Éowyn, but she had thoroughly earned her place.

“ Look, I know how hard it was moving on from everything he did to you. But you need to keep your head in the game. With the Candor Killer still on the loose and everything with Jeremy and his army…we can’t afford to be distracted”.

“ I know, Captain. I’m trying… ” she sighed.

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and walked off to greet some of the special ops division, who had just turned up.

As she went back to finalising her setup, Éowyn felt her nerves creeping in. Presenting her work had never been an issue, but this time, knowing that Eric would be there, watching, listening—it shook her confidence more than she wanted to admit.

 

***
Éowyn sat off to the side of the room, next to George, who, true to form, was doing his best to irritate her with light pokes to her ribs. Each jab was followed by a stifled giggle, until she finally couldn’t hold it in and laughed out loud.

“ Seriously George if you don’t stop it, I’ll fire you!” She said through her laughing gasps.

“ You can’t fire me Sarge, you aren’t my boss” he says arrogantly, crossing his arms in a mocking manner.

“ You answer to me! I’m your Sergeant! I have the authority to fire you!” she said, faking anger.

“ No you don’t! I may answer to you but YOU answer to the Cap! Only he can fire me” he pokes her in the side again over and over until she jumps back.

“ Ok ok!” She says before covering her mouth quickly to stifle the giggles.

Her attention was abruptly drawn to the door as she spotted Eric walking in, flanked by his security team. Nova gave her a cheerful wave, and Four offered her a subtle smile, but Eric’s glance her way was brief and impassive.

He looked between her and George, frowning, before he looked elsewhere.

“ You reckon he fancies me?” George whispered to Éowyn.

Éowyn, who had just taken a sip of water to calm her nerves, nearly spat it all out.

She glared at him, amused, as remnants of water dribbled down her chin. George just grinned at the sight.

When everyone had taken their seats and the room was packed, Richard moved to the front of the room to address the large group. He waited for the murmurs to quiet, then began to speak, his tone carrying the weight of authority and optimism.

“ Thank you all for being here. Today’s meeting is an important step toward greater collaboration between our special operations team and the compound’s security department. Éowyn’s presentation will focus on the strategies, warning signs, and actions she and the team employed in the Amity Abductor case, a recent success that we believe holds valuable insights for all of us. I hope this will be the beginning of a stronger partnership and a shared understanding of what to look out for, should a similar threat arise in any of your sectors”.

Richard gave her an encouraging nod, then gestured toward her. “ Éowyn has prepared a detailed presentation, and she’ll walk us through the steps she took and the indicators she identified that helped lead to the resolution of the case. Please give her your full attention”.

As she stood and made her way to the front, Éowyn tried to focus on her slides and the outline she’d meticulously prepared, but her eyes flicked briefly over to Eric. To her surprise, he seemed both interested and a little amused, his gaze fixed on her as if assessing her every move. She quickly looked away, forcing her thoughts back to her presentation.

As she set up her first slide, George shot her an exaggerated thumbs-up, and she couldn’t help but stifle a small grin. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Eric catch the gesture too, a slight raise of his eyebrow, though he quickly masked his reaction.

Steadying herself, Éowyn took a deep breath and began, channeling her focus into the work she’d poured her energy into. As she spoke, her nerves started to fade, replaced by the confidence that came from knowing her subject inside and out.

 

***
Éowyn continued her presentation with steady confidence, growing more animated as she reached the interactive part she had planned. She clicked to the next slide, displaying a series of crime scene photographs—evidence gathered in the Amity Abductor case.

One showed a length of frayed rope found at the scene where a woman had gone missing. Another was an image of disposable gloves discovered in a nearby trash can, and the last was a photo of a large boot print, deep in mud, partially obscured but unmistakably recent at the time the photo was captured.

She looked out over the room. “ Alright, let’s discuss what kind of techniques you’d use to decipher any clues from these items. The case is solved, but this is a chance to walk through the thought process together”.

Immediately, hands went up and suggestions were tossed around the room.

“ Fiber analysis on the rope to find any unique materials or residues ” someone offered.

Éowyn nodded, impressed.

Another person suggested examining the tread pattern in the footprint, while others mentioned the possibility of DNA or trace evidence from the gloves.

She was genuinely pleased at their depth of knowledge, giving each idea due consideration and occasionally asking follow-up questions to keep the discussion lively.

Then, from across the room, Eric’s voice cut in sharply, his tone dismissive. “ We already know who the abductor is—you caught him. So, how exactly is this exercise helping us?”

Éowyn felt her jaw tighten as she looked at him, taken aback by his bluntness. The room grew still as everyone turned to her, curious to see how she would respond.

She didn’t miss a beat.

“ This exercise ” she replied with a pointed calmness, “ is to help everyone here think like investigators and learn to recognise patterns, even if they’re not directly involved in special ops. The goal is to prevent future cases, not just wrap up the past ”.

She gave him a measured stare, then added, “ And if you have any more questions, Eric, remember—” she gestured to her own raised hand, a small, sardonic smile on her lips, “ we raise our hands first”.

A ripple of laughter spread through the room, a few people snickering under their breath. Eric’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept silent, leaning back in his chair with a look that was almost amused despite himself.

Éowyn took a breath, steadying herself. With the room back on her side, she continued, feeling even more confident now as she moved on to the next point of her presentation.

Éowyn glanced around the room, her gaze steady as she continued, “Alright, so from the evidence we’ve seen, what can we determine about the criminal? What do these items say about his behaviour or personality?”

A few people shifted uncomfortably in their seats, glancing between each other.

Nova finally broke the silence, his brow furrowing. “ How are we supposed to know what he’s like just from a piece of rope or a footprint?”

Éowyn offered him a gentle smile. “ Good question—that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss ”. She turned back to the image of the rope on the screen. “ So, for example, let’s start with this. What would the rope most likely be used for?”

Someone from the back called out, “ To restrain his victims, probably around their wrists or ankles”.

Éowyn nodded approvingly. “ Exactly. This tells us he’s got the physical strength to overpower his victims. He wouldn’t need to rely on drugs or trickery alone. That’s already giving us some insight into his approach”.

Images of Lucas offering her the spiked drink flashed through her mind but she quickly shook them off. She remembered how this case had brought up a lot of painful memories when she was working it.

She clicked to the next photo of the disposable gloves.

“ Now, what about these?” she asked, scanning the room. “ What can we infer from them?”

Eric’s voice cut through the murmurs, still no raised hand.

“ It tells us he’s clever ” he said flatly.

Éowyn turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

“ And how did you reach that conclusion?” she says almost challenging.

“ He’s wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints ” Eric continued.

“ Maybe he just didn’t want to get his hands dirty?” she shoots at him with a grin.

“ Unlikely ” he quips back. When she doesn’t respond, he continues “ So, he knows how to cover his tracks”.

The tension in the room thickened, but Éowyn gave Eric a wide, approving smile.

“ That’s correct ” she said, and he leaned back in his chair with a smug expression.

But her next words erased his grin.

“ However ” she continued, “ you’re only half correct. You’re right, he does knows how to cover his tracks. Or so he thinks… ” she pauses.

“ How’s that then? ” Eric challenged, his eyes ablaze with indifference.

She smiled smugly at him “ The fact that the perp dumped the gloves in a nearby trash-can shows that while he might understand the basics of covering his tracks, he isn’t actually that intelligent. Carelessly leaving his tools around makes him reckless. And that was one of the first pieces of evidence we found that led us to a pattern”.

Eric’s jaw tightened, and he gave her a brief, hard look, clearly not pleased with being corrected. He seemed to be grappling with her unflinching response, and the room remained tense.

Éowyn glanced up at the rest of the room, feeling the weight of the silence that followed her exchange with Eric. The awkward tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and she could sense the eyes of her colleagues on her.

She cleared her throat, pushing the discomfort aside, and quickly moved on to the next part of the presentation.

“ Alright ” she began, forcing herself to focus, “ let’s turn our attention to the footprint”.

She flicked her gaze over the entirety of the room and noticed Nova on his com, not paying attention.

“Nova, can you think of any ways we could use this piece of evidence to help us identify the culprit?”

Nova blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden spotlight. He shifted in his seat as he tucked his com back in his pocket, his brow furrowing as he tried to find a coherent answer.

Before he could speak, Eric leaned forward, as if he was about to jump in with an answer. “ Well, it’s obvious—”

But Éowyn anticipated this.

Without even glancing at him, she cut him off. “ I asked Nova ” she said firmly, her voice deadpan and leaving no room for argument while her hand shot out and pointed in Eric’s direction.

Her eyes stayed focused on Nova, but she could feel the heat of Eric’s gaze burning into her.

Eric stilled, clearly annoyed, but didn’t push back. The room fell silent again.

Nova seemed to find his confidence as the focus shifted back to him.

“ I, uh…I think I recognise the shoe brand ” Nova finally said, hesitating at first, but his voice growing steadier as he continued. “ It looks like a brand that’s popular with construction workers, the kind of shoes with the thicker soles”.

Éowyn’s face softened into a proud smile.

“Good, can anybody tell me anything else?” She addresses the room.

A woman from the back raised her hand . “If we can figure out which stores carry them…maybe we can track down where he bought them?” She asks.

“Yeah! Or even better, find out if they’re connected to any specific locations”. Another woman to the left of Éowyn says.

“ Exactly! That’s great thinking. If we can trace the sales, it might give us insight into where the abductor lives or works. That could be a crucial lead” Éowyn says, nodding her approval.

The room all straightened their postures at the praise, their confidence growing with each word.

“ Yeah, I guess it would help narrow down the places he’s likely to be ” Four added with a warm smile at Éowyn.

Éowyn couldn’t help but return the smile, her eyes shining at Four’s encouragement.

Eric sat quietly in his seat, his gaze flickering to Éowyn as she took charge of the presentation. He had expected her to falter, to maybe show some signs of weakness after everything that had happened between them. But instead, she stood there, poised, confident, and completely in control. It was as if nothing had changed, like she was still that same fierce woman he’d met 2 years ago—only now, she was a step above, commanding the room with ease.

He was taken aback by how well she handled everything, especially when he tried to throw her off. She shut him down quickly and with authority, as if she was used to this.

It stung more than he’d like to admit.

In the past, he would have seen her as someone who was still figuring out who she was. But now? She was clearly someone who had outgrown the need for his approval, and that realisation made his chest tighten.

Her ability to regain control so effortlessly after he tried to interrupt Nova only solidified it. She wasn’t just a Sergeant, or a colleague. She was a leader in every sense of the word. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable.

He remembered it from when they first met, from when he was her trainer—how determined she had been to prove him wrong and how she pushed herself beyond the limits he set for her.

That same fire, the same relentless determination, was there now. It was a part of her that he had always admired…even if he hadn’t always shown it.

He felt himself becoming aroused at this strong woman in front of him.

When she shut him down, not even sparing a glance in his direction, he felt a jolt deep in his gut. The way she asserted her authority, leaving no room for argument, ignited something inside him. It was the same thrill he had felt when he was training her, when he had pushed her to her limits, and she had fought back harder.

Back then, he had thought she would make a great leader, but now it was undeniable—she was a leader. A part of him wanted to challenge her, to see just how far she’d go. The other part of him, however, felt a strange frustration bubble up—because the reality was that she had everything under control.

His mind flickered back to the time he had pushed her away. The decision to send her away to keep her at a distance.

All of it had been to protect her, he told himself. Protect her from Jeanine, from the twisted experiments she had planned with her divergent prototypes and also from the guilt he carried after murdering her Uncle Peter.

He had pushed her away to save her—and to save himself from the guilt he felt.

The realisation dawned on him.

How pathetic could he have been to do something like that? She was clearly stronger than he realised.

He didn’t deserve her. Not after what he’d done. After everything that had happened, the pain he had caused her… he wasn’t worthy .

But boy did he want her back!

As Éowyn continued with her presentation, Eric sulked in his seat. She was fine without him, and that was the hardest pill to swallow. He tried to focus on what she was saying, but the guilt, the longing, the regret—it all churned inside him, and he couldn’t quite shake the feeling that he had made a mistake he would never be able to fix.

 

***
As Éowyn wrapped up her presentation, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had made it through, despite the tension in the room, especially the constant push-pull with Eric. She cleared her throat, smiling warmly at the group as she closed her laptop.

“ Thank you, everyone, for your time and attention today ” she said, her voice steady despite the lingering unease she felt. “ I hope this helps give some insight into our investigation, and that we can all work together more effectively moving forward”.

There were murmurs of approval as the room began to empty out. People filed out of the meeting room, chatting quietly among themselves, and Éowyn noticed Four giving her a smile before he left. It was the same soft smile he’d given her earlier, a silent acknowledgment that she had done well.

She returned the smile, grateful for his support even if it was subtle. It wasn’t as if he had to say anything—his smile alone was enough to show that he appreciated her effort. There was an unspoken understanding between them, and for the briefest moment, she allowed herself to savour the feeling of it.

Eric’s eyes narrowed at this.

He noticed the way her emerald eyes sparkled with the same warmth, the same affection, that used to be reserved for him. A soft, genuine smile spread across her face. The way her eyes lit up was unmistakable—there was a comfort there, a connection, and it reminded him of the way she used to look at him. The way she had always looked at him when they were together.

His stomach churned uncomfortably at the sight, a sense of possessiveness rising within him. It made something sour rise in his throat.

Why was she smiling at Four like that?

A sharp memory sliced through his mind— the night at the pub.

When Eric was pacing outside, distraught at the possibility of the baby in Éowyn’s lap being his, Four’s face had also gone pale. That moment had struck Eric as strange, but now, it gnawed at him in a way that made his insides twist.

The baby. The way Four had reacted. It didn’t sit right with him, and now, seeing the way Éowyn smiled at Four, all of it started to click in his mind—too many pieces that he had been avoiding, too many questions that he had pushed down.

Was there more to this? Was there something he hadn’t been told?

Suspicion crawled under his skin as he stared at Éowyn, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest. Something had changed and now, Four was right there, in the middle of it.

Four, himself, had told him that he was there for her when Eric had ‘ abandoned her’.

What exactly did ‘ being there for her’ entail?

Had they slept together? Surely not? She wasn’t in the right mental state to sleep with himself before he left, so why would she sleep with Four?

As he was wrestling with his anguish, his gaze was drawn to George as he pulled a funny face at Éowyn when she returned to his side. He watched as Éowyn slapped him playfully upside the head and George grabbed her for a hug. She giggles and tried to compose herself.

More jealousy and confusion shot through him.

Eric remembered the protective stance George had taken when he had upset Éowyn at the pub. How the thought of them being together flashed through his mind as George threatened him.

So had she been with Four and now with George? How could she move on so quickly? And with 2 men, no less?

Memory of Four’s words ran through his mind ‘ Are you honestly that conceited? Surely you must have known she would move on eventually?’

He cringed.

The old feelings he had buried resurfacing with a vengeance. The jealousy, the protectiveness, the need to hold on to what was his.

He hated it. He hated how much it bothered him, how much it twisted his gut to see her smile at Four like that or giggle at George’s antics.

Something was going on…

Going on with Four and going on with George…

He felt so paranoid it made him squirm. This wasn’t like him.

But the moment was cut short as Éowyn’s gaze shifted to Eric. He hadn’t moved. He was still seated, leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

Éowyn hesitated for a moment, her mind swirling with the remnants of their earlier exchanges. She wanted to leave the room, to let the weight of the presentation fall away, but something about Eric’s stillness kept her rooted in place. The tension between them, thick and unresolved, seemed to hang in the air.

As the last of the team members filed out, she made her way toward the door, moving past Eric without sparing him another glance. But she could feel his presence behind her, heavy and unshifting.

She paused at the door, turning back slightly.

“ Is there anything else, Eric? ” she asked professionally, her tone even, but there was a sharpness beneath it that betrayed her discomfort.

Eric stayed seated, his eyes locked on her. He didn’t answer immediately, as though weighing his next words carefully.

“ No ” he said eventually, his voice low but steady. “ Not right now”.

Éowyn nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned and stepped out of the room, leaving him behind.

As the door clicked shut behind her, she exhaled, feeling the release of tension she’d been holding onto since the start of the presentation. For the first time in hours, she allowed herself a deep breath.

And yet, despite the relief, everything still unresolved between her and Eric lingered in her mind.

 

 

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Beneath their Armour