Shouts echo through the Glade as a group of boys rush toward the Box, the grinding of metal against metal ringing out as the elevator groans to a halt. They gather around the edge, peering down into the shadows below. Murmurs spread like wildfire.

Newt is the first to move. He jumps into the Box without hesitation, boots landing beside your still form. His brows knit together in confusion as he crouches down, inspecting you.

“Bloody hell… it’s a girl.” The words come out like a whisper, almost in disbelief.

“What’s that in her hand?” One of the boys above calls down, their tone a mix of curiosity and caution.

Newt reaches forward carefully, fingers brushing against the slip of paper clutched in your hand. He gently pulls it free and reads it aloud, his voice steady but tense.

“She’s the last one… ever.”

The air shifts. Silence falls over the boys as they stare down into the Box, eyes wide with shock. The fact that you’re a girl is jarring enough. But the note? That changes everything.

Before anyone can react, Thomas climbs down into the Box beside Newt. He kneels next to you. He hesitates only a second before placing a hand on your shoulder, shaking you gently.