Chapter 20 — Epilogue

The rain catches us halfway across the plain. It drenches our clothes, and steady streams of water run down my face. My horse, Candor, does not like the rain; he strains against my hold as I turn him towards camp with Tobias close behind me.

I understand now why Tobias was so eager to keep his bachelor lifestyle. Chicago—the flourishing city in the eastern coast of the United States—is far wilder and less dignified than London.

And I love it.

When Tobias and I left London, we did not know where we wanted to go, so we went everywhere. For an orphaned girl who had never left England, I could not help but be overwhelmed by the numerous countries and cities that we visited, but Tobias never left me.

I have learned that having a person to rely on, and relying on a person are not the same thing. We both found love without sacrificing our independence.

"I do not think that riding in this weather is a good idea, Tris," says Tobias as we duck underneath a grove of trees.

I grin. "As you must know by now, I am not always filled with good ideas."

"No," he agrees thoughtfully. "But I am not about to complain."

"Obviously you will not because you do not want to lose your spot in the tent," I say.

Laughing, he tucks me underneath his arm, the water from his clothes soaking through mine. I glance up at him indignantly, but we both know that I'm not truly angry. After all, I would be lonely on my travels without him.

After Chicago, we rode north across wild, uncharted territory towards a region called Canada. They say it is very cold during the winter, and that the snow remains on the frozen ground for many months. Although I have seen snow before, I am eager to see Canada. Travellers that we encountered in Chicago say that it is a savage land, inhabited by native tribes who can be helpful or murderous. I know that we should be scared, but I am only excited.

I may have left my Dauntless family behind, but I did not forget how to be brave.

Will and Christina remained with Dauntless where they say that the heist society has become much stronger under Tori's leadership. We learned this when we reached Chicago, and we also received news that Susan had married Uriah a few months before. I still have not recovered from the surprise, but I am glad that she has left my brother behind.

Thinking of Caleb makes me think of the Erudite who fell to Dauntless not long after I left London. I am glad that Jeanine Matthews is gone, but it saddens me to remember a great heist society that was weakened by its leader's ambition.

"Do you think that we should run for it?" Tobias asks.

"Remember the last time that we 'ran for it?'"

His chest shakes with laughter. "We were being chased by a drunk Irishman."

I gently pat Candor's mane. "I believe that staying in an inn called the Drunk Monk does not often promise cleanliness or quality."

He shudders. "I still smelled like that place for two weeks afterwards."

I gently bump his shoulder with mine. "You are far more sensitive to messes and filth than I am."

"It is not a bad thing," he protests. I thread my fingers through his, the matching bands on our fingers gently clinking. Although polished and smooth, they are plain—the result of a wedding performed by a travelling priest.

I do not mind that I was married in trousers and boots, and I do not think that Tobias did either.

"If you say so, Tobias."

Suddenly the rain picks up, and Tobias glances at me. "Perhaps we should run for it."

Shivering, I burrow closer to him. "Like we will have to run when we see your mother again."

"She likes you," says Tobias, and we both smile because we know that he is lying for my sake. "And she has sounded fairly agreeable in her letters lately. She even gave Zeke and Shauna her blessing when they wed."

"It's all right, you don't have to lie," I say cheerfully. "I think she respects me, but she loathes me because I used to be part of Dauntless."

Tobias looks at me curiously. "That is the first time that you haven't called yourself Dauntless."

"Is it?" I ask, feeling surprised. Truthfully, I have not felt like a part of Dauntless since we left London nine months ago. Shrugging, I check my girth. "I suppose I thought that you knew that I have not considered Dauntless to be my home for a very long time."

"Where is your home, then?" he asks softly.

"It is no longer a where but a who," I reply just as softly and turn to face him. "You are my home, Tobias, and there's no place that I'd rather be."

"And you are mine," he says as he leans down to gently place his lips against mine.

Tobias and I have shared many different kinds of kisses—passionate, heated, gentle, affectionate—but this loving kiss is my favourite by far. I know that he knows how much I love him, and with this kiss, I know how much he loves me, too.

I pull back, and glance at the land that seems to stretch on forever beyond our little hiding spot. The rain has slowed, so I look at Tobias. "We should try to make it back to camp." But neither of us move away, and our arms stay wrapped around each other.

"Yes," he finally agrees. "I think that we should."

"Do you want to race back?"

"What do you think, Tris?"

And so we do.

fin.

Gosh! This feels so weird! I just finished Heist Society! But of course, I wouldn't have been possible without the support of EVERY ONE OF YOU LOVELY PEOPLE. This story wouldn't have gone anywhere without all of your lovely reviews, favourites and follows, so THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!

On another note, I have a new story (THG universe this time) in the works, and I'll post on this story when it's posted. Please check it out!

Also, thanks for the fanfictioners who found me on Wattpad! It was nice to hear from y'all!

Once again, thank you so much, and I'm sorry for long author's note (again!)

Until next time,

Wren

P.S. Lynda Loyde: I hope this epilogue makes up for disappearing :)