Gladers choice | TMR | Thomas | Minho

Chapter Twenty One

Lyra and Thomas sat side by side in the council hall, a small wooden structure that served as the center of decision-making in the Glade. The air was thick with tension, the weight of the gathering pressing down on everyone present. Lyra's eyes were fixed on the floor, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to calm her nerves. Beside her, Thomas fidgeted, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knee.

Around them, the Keepers were assembled in a semi-circle. Newt sat at the center, his expression a mix of concern and determination. To his right were Minho and Frypan, both looking serious, while Winston and Gally sat to his left, their faces already set in disagreement. A few other Keepers were scattered around, whispering amongst themselves.

Lyra's thoughts raced as she tried to predict what would happen next. She felt a mixture of fear and defiance, her hands clenching into fists in her lap. She glanced at Thomas, whose brow was furrowed in concentration, his jaw set in a hard line. She knew he was as anxious as she was, but he was better at hiding it.

Newt cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Let's get this started," he said, his voice steady. He turned his gaze to Thomas. "Thomas, remain silent until the end. Considering the amount of questions you ask, we need to get through this without interruptions."

Thomas opened his mouth to respond but quickly shut it, nodding obediently. Lyra could feel the tension radiating off him, his frustration barely contained.

Newt continued, "We're here to decide the fate of Lyra and Thomas. They broke the Glade's most important rule: never enter the Maze. But they also saved Alby's life. We need to determine the appropriate course of action."

Frypan was the first to speak up, his voice carrying a tone of cautious support. "Lyra has always been a good worker. She's never done anything bad until this moment. We can't ignore that she and Thomas saved Alby."

Newt nodded in agreement, looking around the room. "That's true. We have to consider the context."

Lyra glanced at Minho, hoping for some sign of support, but his face was an unreadable mask. Her heart sank a little, the uncertainty gnawing at her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers twisting together anxiously.

Winston shook his head, his voice rising with indignation. "Rules are rules, Newt. They went into the Maze, and that can't go unpunished. We can't have everyone thinking they can just break the rules whenever they feel like it."

Gally, ever the antagonist, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Thomas is an untrustworthy spy who was assisted inside the Maze. He should be imprisoned for a month. We don't know what he's capable of."

There was a murmur of agreement from a few Keepers, but others looked doubtful. Frypan quickly interjected, "How is that possible, Gally? Lyra went into the Maze too. Are you saying she's a spy as well?"

Gally hesitated, clearly not having considered that angle. "I'm just saying it's suspicious. We don't know anything about this shank."

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, each Keeper trying to make their point heard. Lyra felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, her gaze still fixed on the floor as the debate raged around her. She could sense Thomas's frustration building beside her, his body tense with the effort of holding back his words.

Newt raised a hand, calling for order. "Enough. We need to make a decision. Minho, you're the Keeper of the Runners. What's your take on this?"

Minho took a deep breath, his face still unreadable. He looked directly at Thomas before speaking. "Thomas showed incredible bravery and quick thinking. He's got the makings of a Runner. In fact, I suggest he replace me as Keeper of the Runners."