Trial 1 || THE MAZE RUNNER [1]

[PROLOGUE] CADE

DAWN IN THE GLADE had always been Cade's favorite time. She was supposed to be sleeping - everyone else was - but that never happened for too long, and she had given up trying to go back to sleep after waking a year ago. Sleep never came easy to her, except for when she was sick. She was too alert; her brain was constantly thinking, even after her body laid still in bed. And that was the trouble with Cade. Her mind never stopped. It was hard to keep up with, even for her.

The dew on the grass soothed her hands as she crouched down at the edge of the Deadheads. Sitting against a tree, she looked out into the peaceful, empty field. She was the only one who was ever up at this time, besides the occasional appearance from Newt, whom she had bonded with throughout the gentle talks they shared during these early mornings. 

The silence was calming as she breathed in the cool air, looking out past the walls so her eyes could meet the sunrise. The burning ball of gas was almost halfway above the maze. The boys would be up soon. She sighed. Nothing gold can stay.

"I see you're up early again." The silky, accented voice from beside her made her smirk a little as she looked up to meet the dark-eyed gaze of an old friend.

"Aren't I always?" At Cade's reply, the boy delivered a quick, lopsided smile as he sat down next to her. Newt studied her for a moment, and she knew he was onto her. He gave her a look she knew well, but moved on quickly. 

"You know, Gally's bound to be wondering where you are when he wakes up." Cade sighed and closed her eyes as she let her head fall back to meet the tree. 

"Ah, he always wonders. I can't help it though. I just need to get out sometimes." Newt nodded slowly in thought. 

"Any dreams?" And there was the question, the one she had been waiting for. Her icy eyes opened, momentarily making contact with his before looking away. 

"One." She could feel Newt's gaze on her as she watched the maze doors open. The low, grinding sound resonated through the once-quiet glade.

"Go on." Cade shrugged. She didn't feel like reciting the vision for the third time, to the same person. 

"Same one as always, you know how it goes." Cade stiffened visibly, the tell-tale sign of her closing up. It didn't occur much between her and the particular boy, but it was a common happening for her in general. Newt moved his hand to hers. 

"It's not real. It never will be." 

"I know that. I do. But it feels real. It feels..." Her voice trailed off as she pulled her legs to her chest. She didn't have to finish her sentence for Newt to know what she was meaning. He wrapped an arm around her, a silent comfort that always worked. After a few moments of sitting like that with her head on his shoulder, she stood.

"Come on, people'll be up soon." She pulled him up with an extended arm, then brushed herself off as Newt did the same. 

Newt looked down at her, frowning. At 4'11", Cade was shorter than even the youngest of the boys, though she was fully grown. The boy sighed as she chewed on her lip absentmindedly. She was zoned out again. Cade had a habit of doing that when stressed, worried, or any other negative emotion, but she had been doing it a lot more lately.

As the two friends stood side by side on the edge of the Deadheads, watching the glade begin to wake up, Cade couldn't help but worry. 

That dream was going to get the best of her...