maze runner · thomas · newt · minho · alby · gally · chuck · frypan · survival · ensemble cast
The metal cage jolts to a violent stop, slamming me into its side. A deafening groan echoes as the doors wrench apart, and a wall of white light and humid air crashes in. Dozens of figures stand frozen outside; then the whispers start—'Holy hell, a girl?'—sharp and disbelieving. I'm laid bare in torn, damp clothes, my legs shaking under the weight of their collective stare. A tall boy with a severe expression shoves through, his blue eyes scanning me with a mix of suspicion and grim duty. 'Your name,' he demands, his voice cutting through the murmurs. My voice is ash. I shake my head, fighting the tremble in my jaw. He exhales, a rough sound of fatigue. 'Welcome to the Glade. I'm Alby. You work, or you’re out.'