𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘- TMR, Minho

009, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬...𝐡𝐞𝐡..

The sun had barely risen over the desolate Scorch, casting long shadows across the barren landscape. The group, now reinforced by their new allies, continued their trek toward the rumored facility that might hold crucial information about WCKD. The promise of new leads drove their determination, but tensions were running high within their ranks.

Lila walked beside Thomas, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Despite the exhaustion and the relentless sun, she maintained an air of calm confidence. Minho, who was still visibly bothered by Dylan's presence, walked a few steps behind, his eyes occasionally darting toward the new ally with a mix of suspicion and jealousy.

As they approached a makeshift encampment where they planned to rest and strategize, Teresa, who had been traveling with the group for a while, seemed increasingly agitated. Her earlier interactions with the new group members had been terse, and her distrust was becoming more apparent.

"Thomas, we need to talk," Teresa said sharply as they arrived at the camp. She caught Thomas's arm, pulling him aside. "About Lila."

Thomas raised an eyebrow. "What's this about?"

Teresa's expression was a mix of frustration and concern. "I don't trust her. She's been a little too calm, too confident. We don't know anything about her or her friends. What if they're leading us into a trap?"

Before Thomas could respond, Lila, having overheard the conversation, walked over with a composed but steely expression. "What's this about me being a trap?"

Teresa's eyes flashed with irritation. "We need to know where you and your friends stand. You claim to be on our side, but how can we trust you? You're a stranger in a world that's given us enough reasons not to trust strangers."

Lila's eyes narrowed. "I've risked my life to help you all. If you have a problem with that, then maybe you should keep it to yourself."

The tension between the two women was palpable. Brenda and Jorge exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that things were about to escalate. Dylan, standing a bit apart, watched with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Teresa didn't back down. "You think you can just waltz in and everything will be fine? We've seen enough deceit to last a lifetime. You're not getting a free pass just because you've helped us once or twice."

Lila took a step closer, her voice low but fierce. "You want to question my loyalty? Fine. But don't think you're the only one who's had to fight for survival. I've lost people, just like you have. If you're looking for answers, start by trusting those who've been through their own hell."

Teresa's face flushed with anger. "I'm not questioning your pain. I'm questioning your intentions. This isn't the time for personal vendettas."

Lila's jaw clenched. "I don't have a vendetta. I have a mission. I'm here to help, and if that's not enough for you, then maybe you should rethink your priorities."

Thomas, sensing that the confrontation was getting out of hand, stepped between them. "Okay, that's enough. Teresa, I understand your concerns, but Lila and her friends have proven themselves so far. We need to focus on our immediate goal—getting to the facility and finding out what WCKD is up to."

Teresa's eyes were still filled with doubt, but she nodded curtly. "Fine. But don't think this is over."

As Teresa walked away, Lila took a deep breath, her anger still simmering. Dylan approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Lila shrugged. "Just another day in paradise. Let's keep moving."

The group set up camp in a small, secluded area surrounded by the remnants of old buildings. As they prepared for the next leg of their journey, tensions remained high, but there was a shared understanding that their survival depended on cooperation, no matter how difficult it might be.

Later that evening, as the group sat around a small fire, the mood was subdued. The day's events had left their mark, and each member of the group was lost in their own thoughts. The fire crackled softly, offering a small measure of comfort against the cold night.

Dylan, trying to lighten the mood, tossed a small rock into the fire. "So, I guess we've all got our issues. But we can't let that stop us. We're in this together."

Minho, still feeling the sting of his earlier jealousy, glanced at Lila. "You know, I never thought I'd meet someone who could get under my skin so quickly."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here we are."

Minho smirked, trying to keep the conversation light. "You've got to admit, you're pretty good at pushing buttons. But I guess that makes you all the more interesting."

Lila shrugged. "I'll take that as a compliment. Or maybe just a sign that you need to work on your patience."

As the night wore on, the group shared stories and strategized about their next move. Despite the earlier tension, there was a growing sense of camaraderie. The challenges they faced were daunting, but they knew that their strength lay in their ability to work together.

In the darkness of the Scorch, the group's future remained uncertain. But as long as they faced their trials with determination and unity, they had a chance to uncover the truth about WCKD and find a way to escape the relentless pursuit.

As they prepared to move out the next morning, Lila glanced at Thomas and the others, a resolute expression on her face. "We've come this far, and we're not stopping now. Let's get to that facility and find out what WCKD is hiding."

With that, the group set off once more, their spirits bolstered by the hope of discovering the truth and the promise of a future beyond the Scorch. The journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but their resolve was unwavering, and together, they faced whatever challenges lay ahead.