➊ 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 - 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨, ᵗᵐʳ

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒: 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Once Ben and I made it to the top of the tower, I felt a little calmer. I remembered him, he was my brother. Or at least, I thought he was. Could I trust that memory? Could I trust him? These boys definitely hid something, but Ben seemed kind. Even if he wasn't really my brother, something told me I could trust him.

"So, I guess you've got a lot of questions," he said, sitting down across from me, leaning against the wooden wall.

"How could I just wake up here? Someone had to put me here."

He bit his lip, clearly searching for the right words.

"It's complicated. I'm not really supposed to tell you everything. Usually, new people—Greenies—arrive in the Box, that elevator thing the others showed you. But you... You didn't."

"They're saying I didn't come from the Box? Then how did I wake up here?"

"Probably the Creators."

"Creators?" I frowned. "Why do you people keep using weird words?"

Ben glanced around the Glade, as if hoping for something to back him up. "Look at everything—the walls, the structures. Someone had to design all this. That's what we call them. The people who put us here."

I studied him for a moment. He looked serious. He believed in what he was saying.

"But why? Why would someone create all this and drop us in it?"

He hesitated again. "Newt probably mentioned I'm a Runner. So is Minho. Runners are the only ones allowed to leave the Glade. The door opens during the day and closes at night. The walls shift—big stone sliding into place, sealing the entrances."

I blinked. "How do those giant walls move? They must weigh tons."

He shrugged. "Another Creator thing."

None of this made sense. Giant stone walls that moved on their own, teenagers trapped inside, and worst of all—

"Please tell me there are other girls here," I said, suddenly realizing what had been nagging at me.

Ben's expression fell. "You're the first one. We're all confused, but I promise I'll talk to Minho. Maybe he can convince Alby to put protections in place. You don't know who you can trust here."

"You're telling me there are perverts here?"

Ben's expression fell. "You're the first one. We're all confused, but I promise I'll talk to Minho. Maybe he can convince Alby to put protections in place. You don't know who you can trust here."

He raised his hands. "I'm not saying that. But if anyone ever tries anything, just do what you did to Minho—and come find me. I'll make sure you're safe."

I appreciated his protectiveness, but I wasn't reassured. If Minho was in charge of something as serious as running into the Maze, why would he be the one I'd need help from? Besides, what kind of messed-up organization dropped a girl in the middle of a group of boys with no explanation? Did they expect something from me? From us?

"But what if you're on the other side? Why do you need to go out and run?"

He sighed and explained.

"Okay I am not supposed to tell you this, but you won't understand if I don't explain to you. We try to find an escape. 'The other side, as you call it, it's more like a-"

Someone's voice from the ground stopped him. I was finally having answers, but someone restrained me again.

"Hi, Ben! Hi Girl!" The voice was soft and cheerful, way younger than the others. I peeked over the edge and saw a chubby kid, maybe twelve or thirteen, with curly brown hair and flushed pink cheeks. His eyes were wide with curiosity.

"Newt did you see her? She's a girl!" The little boy said to Newt who was next to him.

Newt made a face and folded his arms. "Ben, you two done? She's got more to learn than whatever you call helpful."

I kind of trusted Newt, he seemed calm, mature, but I still felt safer with Ben. He was just about to tell me something important. Something about what was outside those walls.

"Alright," Ben said, patting my shoulder as he stood up. "See you at the bonfire, Ly."

Ly. He was already calling me by a nickname. And... it felt right. Like I'd known him all my life. Maybe I had. Maybe that's why looking into his eyes made me feel like I wasn't completely lost.

A bonfire? That sounded like some sort of celebration. A campfire maybe?

Ben helped me climb back down and led me over to the others. The young boy was still grinning.

"Do you remember your name? Mine's Chuck!" he said. I offered my hand to shake, but he skipped it and hugged me instead.

The sudden physical contact made me freeze. After everything Ben had said, I couldn't help but feel cautious. But Chuck's hug didn't scare me. He was just... sweet.

"Um, hey. I'm Evelyn," I replied, a little awkwardly.

"There's so much you need to know! Starting with me! I'm the best prankster in the Glade! Ask anyone! Especially about Captain Eyebrows and—"

"Chuck," Newt interrupted, clamping a hand over his mouth. "Maybe save the pranks for later."

Captain Eyebrows? That was definitely not a real name... right?

Chuck made a muffled noise, but quickly bounced back, still smiling.

"I'm still staying with you though!" he announced proudly.

Newt sighed but gestured for me to follow him. Chuck trailed behind us like an overly eager puppy.

"We should get lunch first," Newt said. "Then I'll give you the full tour."

He led us toward a large wooden place across the Glade. I glanced back at Chuck, who was beaming like this was the best day of his life. I had to admit, it was kind of funny how badly he wanted to tag along.

For now, I followed Newt, hoping that this "lunch" would bring me more than just food, maybe a few more answers, too.

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