Ezra and Vera walked through the twisting corridors of the Maze in silence. Their footsteps echoed faintly against the stone walls as they navigated the turns and passages. The air inside the Maze felt heavy, almost stale, as if it had been holding the breath of countless candidates who had passed through it.
Finally…
They reached the exit.
Standing in front of the large exit door was a small group that had arrived slightly earlier than them.
"Huh?"
Bale turned when he heard footsteps behind him.
"Big sis."
His eyes landed on Vera. His expression became awkward almost immediately. Then his gaze shifted toward Ezra.
"Oh… and Ezra."
His face changed again, this time becoming amused, but when he noticed the blanket wrapped around the body Ezra carried in his arms, the amusement faded.
"Oh…"
His voice became quiet.
The three people beside him greeted Vera respectfully.
"You just got here, little brother?" Vera walked closer and pinched Bale's chin playfully.
