➊ 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 - 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨, ᵗᵐʳ

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞?

I collapsed onto the ground of the glade, my body spent from running the maze. My legs trembled with exhaustion, and the beats of my heart resounded in my ears.

I almost felt as if all the bones in my body shattered into a million pieces. Probably more because I landed on a rock and not because of the run.

"You're not done yet, come to the map room." Said Hawk giving me his hand to make me stand back up.

"Just a minute," I gasped, trying to catch my breath. I rose to my feet once more, grasped his hand, and let out a sigh as I regained my foot.

I didn't regret becoming a runner, but I was relieved when it was finally done. Hawk gazed at me, a single bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. He seemed completely unfazed after completing the run. Maybe we only did fifteen kilometres? Either I was exaggerating, or perhaps I had actually run twice that distance.

When I reached the map room, my breathing wasn't better than when I entered the glade. All the runners were there peeking at me as if I was crazy, which probably looked like it.

"Observe and learn," Minho said as they started gathering old drawings and redoing them with their today's run.

I didn't see the point in redrawing the map when the maze had already been fully explored. They didn't seem to have found an exit, and neither had I. Hawk had a brief conversation with Minho, who nodded and looked at me at the same time. They were probably discussing me, but at that point, everyone was.

I was the only girl in the group, and it seemed like I was the only one who cared even a little bit about how I looked. The boys hardly ever showered, and when they did, it was maybe once a week. In my previous life, regular showers might not have been a big deal, but in this place, the maze, I couldn't think of what could be worse.

While they continued to gather and organize their information, Hawk called for everyone's attention. "Guys, Evelyn has something she wanted to ask all of you," he announced.

I was taken aback as all eyes turned toward me, anticipating a question that didn't exist. I felt a wave of frustration towards Hawk, wishing I could hit him. I let out a nervous chuckle, realizing that giving in to my urge to punch him would only result in more time kept in the slammer.

"What is it, Ly?" Inquired Ben.

I tried to think of something because I couldn't just stand here waiting for time to pass faster. "I... uhm... I was wondering how do you not get tired."

I gave Hawk a dark glance when I spoke up, between his cheeks, I could see the small grin appearing on his face.

"Practice, don't worry you'll be better than us soon." Joked Ben, petting my back.

But as he did so, he noticed the bow I was keeping hidden in my back and stared at it. "You took the bow? Cool."

That simple sentence from him was enough to make the other boys gaze intrigued. A couple started talking over each other.

"Wait, I thought I couldn't choose it!"
Pathetic.

"That's so useless to fight griever!"
And still better than you.

"And after she wonders why she's tired."
At least I can run.

"How do you know she can even use it?"

This time I answered their questions by raising my bow at him preparing to take an arrow. "Underestimate me, that will be fun"

Startled by my sudden actions, he instinctively took a step back and raised his hand in the air. "Woah, chill..." He let out.