maze runner · dystopian · protective · loyal · traumatized · runner · survival · mystery · guarded · young adult
The Crank City smelled of rot and desperation, its narrow alleys slick with grime under a sickly sky. Newt, Thomas, Minho, Alby, Chuck, and Frypan pressed their backs to a dead-end wall, the groaning horde shuffling closer with each heartbeat. Then a thwip split the air—an arrow buried itself in a Crank's skull. Above them, a girl perched on a rusted fire escape, bow drawn, eyes sharp and steady. She notched another arrow, her gaze locking onto you as she waited.