His Teddy-Bear 🥾Minho TMR💨 (Pre Thomas)

Lonesome Footsteps

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The morning air was sharp, the coolness of it cutting through the Glade as Delilah made her way to the Map Room. The sun had barely risen, casting pale light across the stone pathways, but the usual buzz of activity had already begun. Runners were milling about, grabbing their gear and preparing for the day's journey into the Maze.

Delilah's heart beat a little faster as she approached the Map Room, the unfamiliar weight of her Runner's pack resting against her shoulder. Inside, the room was filled with quiet concentration-maps sprawled across the table, tools of the trade ready and waiting. Ben and Minho were already there, studying the most recent markings on the wall, but it was Alby who looked up first, his serious gaze meeting hers.

"You ready?" he asked, his voice steady, but with a slight edge of concern.

Delilah swallowed her nerves and nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Ben flashed her a grin from where he stood by the table. "You've been doing great so far. Just follow the path, stay sharp, and you'll be fine."

Her hands trembled slightly as she buckled the straps of her pack. The weight of it was comforting, like an anchor to reality. It was a lot heavier than the training packs she'd used, but it felt right-real. She was one of them now, a full-fledged Runner.

Minho stood off to the side, silent, his eyes flicking over the map on the wall with an intensity that bordered on obsessive. He didn't acknowledge her directly, but Delilah could feel his presence like a heavy weight in the room. The tension was palpable. His disapproving attitude from the past few days still lingered in the air, but she was determined to prove herself.

Alby nodded toward the door. "Alright, Delilah. You've got the east side today. The path's mostly clear, but keep an eye on the walls. We're getting some strange readings lately."

Delilah felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Strange readings? The last thing she wanted was to face something unexpected in the Maze. But she didn't voice her concerns. She couldn't afford to show any weakness-not now, when they were all counting on her.

"I'll stay alert," she said, her voice firmer than she felt. She reached for her knife, securing it at her belt, and then grabbed the small marker to add to her collection of tools. Maps and compasses-anything that could help her survive the day.

"Good." Alby gave her a firm nod. "If you get in trouble, don't hesitate to head back. There's no shame in that shank"

Delilah nodded, though the idea of needing to come back made her feel small. The Maze was unforgiving. There was no room for mistakes.

Ben patted her on the shoulder as he passed by her. "You got this. Just keep your head down and move quickly. If you find anything out of the ordinary, get out of there fast. We don't mess around with danger."

She appreciated his reassurance, but it did little to calm the storm of thoughts racing through her mind.

"Thanks," she said quietly, then took a deep breath as she stepped toward the door. Her heart was thundering in her chest, her palms slick with sweat, but there was no turning back. She had made her choice. This was what she had fought for.

Outside, the sky was slowly brightening, the first rays of sun spilling over the walls of the Glade. The Maze was waiting for her. Delilah's feet moved toward the entrance, and as she approached the massive doors, she could hear the echoing sounds of the shifting walls-groans and creaks that always sent a shiver down her spine. They had no idea what lay beyond those walls. But today, she would find out.

Minho stepped up beside her, his presence as imposing as always. She glanced at him briefly, but he was already staring ahead, his gaze fixed on the Maze. He didn't speak, but there was an unspoken challenge in the way he stood-one that Delilah couldn't quite shake. She had earned her place, but she knew she had a long way to go before she earned his respect.