Feral → newt, tmr

Chapter 2: Nightmares

The bonfire roars to life as flaming spikes are thrown into the towering pile of wood, casting sparks up into the night sky. The Galders cheer and leap around the blaze, their faces lit up with the excitement of celebration. Laughter rings out, and some boys attempt flips in the air, their shadows dancing across the Glade. The atmosphere is alive with movement, but as Katherine scans the scene, she catches sight of a boy sitting alone, his back against a fallen tree trunk, his gaze fixed on the Maze walls. His expression is blank, and she recognizes that lost, haunted look. She’s felt it herself.

For reasons she can’t explain, there’s something about him that pulls at her—a connection that runs deeper than a shared title of Greenie. She feels it in her bones. It’s not romantic; it’s something else, something familiar. Without hesitation, she makes her way over and sits beside him, the crackle of the fire barely reaching their ears.

“Hey.” she greets, nudging him gently.

He turns to her, eyes wide and uncertain, like a deer caught in a hunter's sights. “How are you dealing with this? Everything?”

Katherine sighs, her shoulders slumping. “Honestly? I have no clue. I’m just trying not to freak out.”

The boy nods as if that’s the most relatable thing he’s heard all day. His gaze drifts back to the Maze, and she follows his line of sight, sensing what’s on his mind. There’s something raw and open in his expression, like he’s a book she can read without even trying.

“If you’re thinking about getting into the Maze, we can break in together,” she says, her tone casual but serious.

The boy’s head snaps towards her as if she’s just suggested they sprout wings and fly away. “What?” he blurts out, eyes wide.

“Come on,” she replies, rolling her eyes. “You’re planning it already, right? I get it. I do. But Newt said it’s dangerous, and they won’t just let us waltz through those walls. We’d need a solid plan to make it out alive.”

He stares at her, bewildered, his eyes narrowing like he’s trying to solve a puzzle. “Why do I feel like I know you?” he asks, catching her off guard.

She’s about to answer when a familiar voice interrupts them.

“Hell of a first day, Greenies,” Newt calls out as he saunters over, holding a jar filled with some murky liquid. He drops down beside Katherine and extends the drink to the boy. “Here. Put some hair on your chest.”

The boy takes the jar, eyeing it warily before bringing it to his lips. One sip is enough, and he coughs violently, the drink burning his throat. “Oh, my God!” he gasps, shoving the jar away like it’s poison.

Katherine snatches it from his hands with a smirk. “I don’t want hair on my chest, but I could use something strong.” She takes a long swig, grimacing at the taste but managing not to cough. She notices Newt watching her, his expression caught between amusement and surprise. “Not that bad. What is this stuff?”

Newt shrugs, grinning. “Gally’s brew. He’s not keen on sharing the recipe.”

“Still an asshole,” the boy mutters.

“Maybe so, but he saved your life today,” Newt retorts. He takes a sip and looks out toward the Maze. “Trust me, mate. That place is a bloody death trap.”