The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

Chapter seven

''Gally, glad to see you made it back. Jasper told me what happened.'' The man spoke as he had his back turned to the group.

''It was a slaughter. There's nothing we could do against those guns.'' He spoke as he simply shrugged his shoulders. 

''No, but they can only poke the hornet's nest so long before they get stung.'' Grace now understood why they shouldn't stare. He man was on his way to become a Crank, or well, he already was, but he wasn't past the Gone, his nose missing from his face. ''Now, who are these people? Why are they here?''

''We need to get into WICKED.'' Thomas spoke as he pushed himself to the front. ''Gally said you can get us through the walls.''

Lawrence's gaze flickered to Gally as he leaned on his IV stand, his pale skin glistening under the harsh lighting. "Gally should know better than to make promises he can't keep," Lawrence said, his voice rough yet steady. "That wall is only half your problem. Getting inside WICKED is impossible."

"We might have a way now," Gally interjected, his tone confident. "But it doesn't work without Thomas."

Grace caught the subtle tension radiating from Newt beside her. His eyes were shut tightly, his jaw clenched. She reached for his hand instinctively, their fingers intertwining.

Lawrence tilted his head, his sharp eyes landing on Thomas. "Is that so?" He leaned in close, his breath audible even from Grace's vantage point. "Do you know what I am, Thomas?"

Thomas's shoulders stiffened as he hesitated to meet Lawrence's gaze.

"I am a businessman," Lawrence continued, his tone cold. "Which means I don't take unnecessary risks. Why should I trust you?"

Thomas squared his shoulders and finally looked up. "Because I can help you. If you can get me through those walls, I can get you what you need."

Lawrence chuckled darkly. "And what is it you think I need?"

Grace stepped forward, her voice firm, cutting through the tension. "Time." She pointed directly at the IV stand holding the blue serum. "That serum? It's not going to last you forever. But my blood? It might buy you a few extra weeks."

Lawrence arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Your blood?"

Grace nodded, her voice steady despite the unease tightening her chest. "I'm immune. But more than that—WICKED already used me in their experiments. They enhanced my resistance, strengthened it. My blood could stretch your supply long enough to take the fight to WICKED."

The room fell silent, all eyes on Grace. Lawrence's lips curled into a slow, calculating smile. "Is that so?"

Thomas glanced at her, surprise and worry flashing across his face. "Grace, are you sure?"

"I'm sure," she replied, her voice unwavering. She turned her attention back to Lawrence. "We both know what WICKED is capable of. You help us get in, and I'll make sure you get what you need. Every drop."

Lawrence studied her for a moment, his fingers drumming against the handle of his IV stand. Finally, he let out a dry laugh. "You've got guts, girl. I'll give you that. All right, here's the deal: three of you go in. The rest stay with me as insurance. You bring me what I need, or they don't leave."

Thomas stepped forward, his hand extended. "Deal."

Lawrence shook his hand but kept his eyes locked on Grace. "Don't disappoint me."

As Lawrence nodded for Gally to lead the way, the group began to disperse. Thomas hung back, his gaze lingering on Grace. "Grace," he called softly.

She turned, surprised when he suddenly pulled her into an embrace. His arms were tight around her, his voice low as he spoke. "Thank you. For having my back. For doing this."

Grace frowned slightly, the unexpected show of vulnerability catching her off guard. But as the meaning of his words sank in, her expression softened. She patted his back lightly, then stepped back, offering a small smile.

"Don't mention it, Thomas. We're in this together." Thomas nodded, his lips twitching into a faint smile. As Grace turned to rejoin the group, she hesitated and glanced back at him. "You're doing great, you know," she said softly. "I'm proud of you."

His eyes widened briefly, but he gave her a grateful nod. "Thanks, Grace."

Her smile lingered as she fell into step beside Newt, leaving Thomas to process her words.

The group huddled around Gally, tension thick in the air as they deliberated who would go. Thomas was an obvious choice, but the remaining two spots sparked heated debate.

"Brenda can't go," Jorge said firmly, his arm protectively around her. "If anything happens to her, I need to be here."

"So that's two out," Frypan said, nodding to Jorge and Brenda. "Leaves us with me, Newt, and Grace."

Grace crossed her arms, her expression resolute. "I'm going."

Newt turned to her, his brow furrowing. "Grace—"

"No," she interrupted, her tone softening as she squeezed his hand. "You know I'm the best chance we have to convince Lawrence to keep his word. He's already interested in my blood."

Newt hesitated, his fingers tightening around hers. "Then I'm coming with you."

Frypan held up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm not getting between you two. Besides, someone's gotta stay behind and make sure Jorge doesn't pick a fight."

Grace gave Frypan a small smile, then turned to Thomas and Gally. "Looks like it's us four."

Thomas gave her a grateful nod. "Thanks, Grace."

She placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression soft but firm. "We're doing this for Minho. That's all that matters."

As they prepared to leave, Newt leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "We'll get through this. Together."

Grace nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Together."

Newt's love language is touch and you can't convince me otherwise! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you did, please leave a vote, comment and add this book to your reading list!

-X Violet's-library