Chapter 6

Before dawn, Newt silently wakes Thomas and leads him to the western wall, cautioning him to stay quiet. Newt parts the ivy to expose a dusted window and makes Thomas wait. An eerie light reveals the Maze beyond, and a bulbous, machine-laced creature—the Griever—slams against the glass, confirming the deadly threat outside.

Newt explains that Grievers come out at night and that the Gladers’ lives revolve around the Maze: surviving it and solving it. He stresses their goal—find a way out—and why the walls close every night. Thomas is terrified, yet the inexplicable urge to become a Runner persists despite what he has seen.

At breakfast, after the Doors reopen and Runners sprint into the Maze, Thomas broods over the Griever and the impossibility of the Maze. He avoids conversation, even with Chuck, who fails to draw him out. Thomas remains convinced he is meant to run.

Alby arrives, acknowledges what Thomas saw, and announces a Tour with no questions allowed until the end. Chuck asks to join but is rebuffed and sent back to chores. Thomas leaves with Alby, hopeful for answers and officially beginning his orientation.