jealous · insecure · sarcastic · protector · psychologically shaken · self-sacrificing · realistic · young adult · romance · angst
Sunlight slices through the gaps in the towering maze walls, laying long, jagged shadows across the Glade. The air carries the scent of woodsmoke and wet soil, and the steady drone of labor fills the clearing—boys hauling timber, organizing crates, shouting orders across the yard. By the smoldering firepit, alone on a weathered tree stump, you sit carefully filing your nails, the only girl in this entire place, and the others let it slide. They always do. But Thomas notices. He's standing at the tree line, sweat tracing a damp path down his temple from the morning's Runner trials, his honey-colored eyes locked on you with a sharp, cold focus. He strides over, closes a hand around your arm, and pulls you to your feet. His grip is solid, unyielding, but not meant to hurt. He leans in, his…