𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

59.. hunt the demon

The streets of the city's center were eerily quiet.

The buildings rose up like silent sentinels, their windows boarded up and doors sealed tight. The Iron Lion base was a squat, concrete building located in the heart of the city.

Parked outside was a military jeep, surrounded by a few armed soldiers.

Thomas could see the familiar figures of his friends, waiting. Vivian, Jorge, Mary, and the others stood nearby.

Emma held little Noah in her arms, the baby's wide, curious eyes roaming the military jeeps.

The sight of all of them safe and sound made Thomas' heart fill with relief.

Minho was the first to rush over, his face breaking into a grin. "Holy hell, I missed your ugly faces," he exclaimed.

"We missed yours!" Vicky cheered. Matt's hand around her waist.

Minho's grin widened.

"And I see you two are as disgustingly adorable as ever," he teased, his eyes flickering over to Matt's hand on Vicky's waist.

Jorge, Mary, and the others also came over, their faces lighting up at the sight of their friends.

Jorge's eyes swept over the group, checking for injuries. Emma handed over little Noah, who cooed and kicked his tiny fists at Minho.

"Hey, you're not dead." Bea sprinted over to her older brother, throwing her arms around Thomas (unaware of his arm injury)

Thomas smiled, wincing slightly as his sister's arms closed around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

The pain flared in his injured arm, but he didn't want to pull away. He held her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"You really thought I'd die that easily?" he joked.

He saw Minho's gaze flicker to his arm, taking in the grimace of pain that crossed his face.

But Minho said nothing, his eyes returning to Bea.

Vivian approached the group, her eyes narrowed as she pinched Vincent's arm.

Vincent let out a surprised yelp as Vivian pinched his arm.

"Hey, what the hell was that for?" he protested, rubbing the spot where she had pinched.

"Trying to see if you're not dead." Vivian hummed, before grabbing his collar and kissed him.

Vincent's eyes widened, taken by surprise.

But he quickly responded, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer.

He deepened the kiss, his hands roaming up her back.

Meanwhile, Minho gagged dramatically, pretending to be grossed out.

The others chuckled at Minho's reaction, used to his antics.

★

As the rain continued to fall, the Gladers and their allies made their way back inside the base.

The scent of wet earth mingled with the familiar smell of the base.

Vivian and Vincent were working in the kitchen, prepping dinner for the Right Arm teens and themselves.

The smell of cooking filled the air, stirring up appetites.

Casper entered the kitchen, his face solemn.

Vivian and Vincent paused their work, turning to face him.

"What is it, Casper?" Vivian asked, worry etched on her face.