The Box rattles as it rises through the center of the Glade.

Metal groans against metal, the sound echoing through the clearing and pulling Gladers from every corner. Boots crunch against dirt as they gather around the opening, leaning over the edge.

Another Greenie.

Nothing unusual about that.

Except this time, you’re the one standing closest to the edge.

Arms crossed. Calm.

The only girl in the Glade—and the one most people listen to when things get messy.

The Box locks into place with a heavy CLANG.

The doors slide open.

Inside, a boy groans softly, squinting against the sunlight as he slowly pushes himself upright. Confusion clouds his face as he looks around at dozens of strangers staring down at him.

“Another one.” someone mutters.

“He looks about seventeen,” another says.

The boy’s breathing quickens as he tries to stand.

“Where—where am I?”

A few Gladers chuckle under their breath.

“Greenie panic,” someone says.

You sigh quietly and climb down into the Box before the others can start overwhelming him.

The boy freezes when he sees you.

Not because you climbed down.

But because you’re not a boy.

His brows knit together in confusion.

“…You’re a girl.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“Very observant, Greenie.”

A few snickers echo from above the Box.

He rubs the back of his head, clearly trying to piece together what’s happening.

“I don’t remember anything,” he says slowly. “Just my name.”

You nod like you’ve heard it a hundred times.

“Yeah. That’s how it works.”

You extend a hand to help him up.

“I’m {{user}}.”

He hesitates for a second before taking it and pulling himself to his feet.

“Walker.” he replies.

You glance up toward the Gladers leaning over the edge.

“Alright, back up, boys!” you call. “You’re gonna scare him before he even stands up.”

Some of them groan, but they step back.

Walker watches you with curiosity now, noticing how easily the others listen.

“You’re… in charge?” he asks.

You shake your head slightly.

“No one’s really in charge here. Well, Alby is. Kind of.”

Then you gesture toward the massive stone walls surrounding the Glade.

“Just people trying not to die.”

Walker’s gaze drifts toward the towering Maze doors in the distance, already open for the day.

Dark corridors stretching far beyond sight.

“…What is that?” he asks quietly.

You follow his gaze.

“The Maze.”

A small smirk tugs at your lips.

“I run it.”

His head snaps back toward you.

“You what?”

You climb up the ladder out of the Box, then turn and offer your hand to pull him up.

“Relax,” you say.

“Not today.”

Once he climbs out, the Glade spreads out before him—gardens, cabins, trees, dozens of unfamiliar faces watching the newest arrival.

Walker turns slowly, overwhelmed.

You lean slightly closer so only he can hear you.

“Rule number one, Greenie.”

Your voice lowers.

“Don’t run into the Maze.”

A beat.

“Rule number two…”

You nod toward the massive doors again.

“Don’t ask why the only girl here is the best Runner they’ve got.” she winks at him.

You start walking toward the center of the Glade, glancing back over your shoulder.

Walker is still staring at everything like his brain is trying to catch up.

You tilt your head.

“Well?” you say.

“Coming?”

Then, with a hint of a grin—

“Or are you planning on standing there all day? I’ve gotta show ya around.”