FOREVER. newt

six. predatory dominance

"All I need to do is probably keep him unconcerned for a few more days. I couldn't study Ben's blood properly without a lab so there's nothing I can do about the sting. Maybe I'll find something that can stop the virus from deteriorating." I explain, placing a hand to Alby's head to see if his temperature has cooled down. It was even hotter than it was before, if that was even possible.

"Alright..." Newt mumbled, his eyes that were on Alby now on me. "I trust you."

I smile, placing a cold towel on Alby's forehead. After a few minutes of silence and the sound of Minho wincing every now and then, Winston came in the Med-jack hut and told us that Gally was calling in for a meeting in the Council Hall.

"Cmon, Winston." I say, pointing to the runners who obviously looked very tried. "They were awake since last night. They need some sleep."

"Sorry, Nini. I only delivered a message." Winston says, walking out the door.

Heaving a sigh, I stand up and place a blanket on Alby to keep him warm. After a few minutes of our arrival in the Council Hall where everybody usually ate and hung out.

Tonight however, it wasn't being used for festivities. It was being used to talk about Thomas. Gally stood near the front along with Newt, Minho, Jisung and Fry. I assumed Alby would've been one of those people if he was conscious right now.

There was a makeshift stage, separating the leaders from the listeners, and since we were sitting near the back of it, it meant everyone could see Thomas. He looked like a person in trial for the court.

I could feel Chuck's leg bouncing up and down nervously beside me, so I wrapped an arm around his neck; trying to offer him a reassuring smile. He was too young for this— to young for any of this.

"It's okay, Chuckie."

Before the boy could reply, Gally started talking.

"Things are changing," Gally started with his arms crossed, and the room quieted to listen. "There's no denying that. First Ben gets stung in broad daylight, and then Alby. And now our Greenie, here, has taken it upon himself to go into the Maze. Which is a clear violation of our rules here."

I scoff, placing my arm infront of my chest. If Thomas didn't go in, Alby would probably be dead by now.

"Yeah, but they saved Alby's life." Fry said, as if he read my thoughts.

"Did they?" Gally answered snarkily, receiving no answer. "For three years, we have coexisted with these things." Gally turned and pointed at Thomas. "And now, he's killed one of them. Who knows what that could mean for us."

"You clearly stated multiple times that these things have killed gladers." I say before the words even began to process my mind. Everyone's eyes, including Gally's, look onto mine. "How is that peaceful coexistence? That sounds like predatory dominance to me?"

Gally's eyes look lost for a moment.

"Even if they're coexisted with us like you say, although they clearly don't.." Newt adds, backing me up. "What do you suggest we do?"

"They have to be punished." Instantly, the gladers murmured their disagreements, supporting Thomas. I snuck a glance at Newt, who gave me a small smile. I could tell he was starting to get annoyed with Gally too.

"Minho, Jisung, you two were there with him. What do you think?" Everyone was quiet, all eyes on the two runners, and their eyes scanned the crowd.

"Jisung was the one who insisted we'd go back and help them when I ran. You should ask him, not me." Minho stays sternly. With the eyes now on the other runner, he squirms quietly in his chair.