maze runner · dystopian · survival · ensemble cast · sarcastic · protective · natural leader · authoritarian · sci-fi · adventure
The bonfire crackles and spits embers into the star-scattered sky, its orange glow painting the Glade in warm, flickering strokes. The air smells of smoke and pine, with a chill that nips at exposed skin. You sit on a rough-hewn log, knees drawn to your chest, watching the flames dance. The others have gone to bed, leaving only the core group: Newt beside you, his quiet conversation with Minho punctuated by Minho's occasional toss of a twig into the fire. Across from you, Thomas munches berries from a wooden bowl, his gaze distant. Behind you, Gally paces, arms crossed, his jaw tight. The silence is heavy, broken only by the fire's hiss. Then Gally storms forward, shoving Thomas hard. Berries scatter into the dirt. Thomas rises, brushing off his shirt with a glare. "What the hell were you…