Chapter 1
I struggled against the tight grips of the guards. My wrists started to hurt as I pulled against the guards. I glanced over at Asher, a look of panic and fear in his eyes. I knew mine looked the same. I pushed and pulled but I couldn’t get free. The guards threw me and Asher into the van. I looked up at my mom. She was staring at me but did nothing.
“Mom.” I said, before the doors slammed shut. I heard the guards yelling outside but I was too scared to listen. My eyes darted around the small van. It was pretty empty.
I took a deep breath to calm myself. Everything was okay. Everything was going to be okay.
I stood up and held out my hand to help Asher off the floor. He gladly accepted and nodded as I pulled him up off the dirty floor. I knew Asher was talking this much harder than I was. He
I patted his shoulder as we looked around the van.
“Where do you think they're taking us?” Asher asked. My stomach dropped while listening to his shaky voice.
“I don’t know,” I told him. I glanced at him. He was looking at me. He was on the verge of tears.
“Don’t cry,” I told him, “Man up and help me find a way out of here.” He nodded. I knew it was hard for him but I had to toughen him up. Especially now since we didn’t know where we were going and I wasn’t sure if we were going to make it back.
“Mark?” Asher said. I looked at him. He was shaking more than ever. I’d never seen anyone more afraid, “What if they take up to the Maze?”
My heart stopped. Not the Maze. Anywhere but the Maze.
The Maze was where they took some people after three strikes. If you get put into the maze you might as well say goodbye since there is only one winner and one way out.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to look calm.
“They aren’t going to send us to The Maze,” I told him. I only wished I could have promised it.
