𝐍𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐄 ⎯⎯⎯⎯ THOMAS

012.

twelve !

AFTER BEING SCOLDED by a certain little curly-haired boy and explaining the situation to one another, the group took off in search for Gally. To their surprise, things went a little sideways.

Brynleigh was tied to a pole alongside Teresa, while Thomas lay on the ground with the other Gladers watching him.

"You really think I'm gonna let Thomas back into the maze after what he has done? Look around you! Look at our Glade! This is the only way. And when the Grievers get what they came here for... everything goes back to the way it was."

Teresa scoffed, "Are you listening to this? Why are you all just standing there? He's crazy!"

"You shut up." Gally spat.

"The only person who needs to shut up, is you, Gally. All you've been doing since Thomas came here is running your mouth about how this is all his fault. Have you heard yourself? You sound crazy!" Brynleigh exclaimed.

"I've tried to help you, Brynn. I can't do it anymore. He's got you brainwashed. This is just as much your fault as it is his. You're a traitor." Gally seethed.

"You're a shucking dick." She snarled.

"If you stay here, the Grievers are going to come back. They're gonna come back, and they're gonna keep coming back... until you're all dead!" Teresa continued.

"Shut up! Tie him up!" Gally ordered, getting frustrated when they didn't immediately obey. "Do you hear me? I said tie him up!"

Thomas elbowed the two boys who tried to tie him up, signaling for the rest of their group to follow the plan. Brynleigh waited for Fry to untie her after he untied Teresa.

Before he could get to her, Gally wrapped his hand around her neck and squeezed, choking the girl.

"Move an inch, and I squeeze harder." He threatened.

"Let her go." Thomas demanded, holding his staff up in threat. The rest of the group stood around them.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" Gally quipped.

"Let her go, Gally. Now." Newt dictated, taking a step towards him.

It was known that everyone cared for Brynleigh. Every boy seemed to have a soft spot for her ( whether it was platonic or not ) and Gally used that to his advantage.

He tightened his grip around her neck, making her gasp for air more desperately than before. "Step back, Newt. I have every one of yours precious toy, and she could be gone in a snap."

"You don't have to come with us, but we are leaving. Let her go. Anyone else who wants to come, now is your last chance." Thomas advised.

"Don't listen to him, he's just trying to scare you." Gally told his crew.

"No, I'm not trying to scare you. You're already scared. I'm scared. But I'd rather risk my life out there than spending the rest of it in here. We don't belong here. This place isn't our home. We were put here. We were trapped here. At least, out there we have a choice. We can make it out of here. I know that."

Boys from Gally's crew appeared to be affected by Thomas' words, because they began crossing over and joining Thomas.

Brynleigh felt herself losing more and more consciousness as they spoke.

"Gally, it's over. Let her go. Just come with us." Thomas finished.

Gally only stared at him before looking at the girl. He let go of his hold on her throat as she gasped for air desperately.

"Good luck against the Grievers."

Frypan untied her while Thomas ran to her, cupping her face in his hands and examining her face to ensure there was no injuries.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a panicked expression.

"I'm fine." She croaked.

"We have to go!" Teresa shouted.

Thomas placed his palm on her lower back, guiding her into the maze where they began running.

⸺ dee speaks !i had to make this chapter extra short bc the next one
will be extra long