PROLOGUE
( RISK )

     "I REFUSE TO LET THOMAS enter the Maze without me." Grace shakes her head at Ava Paige.

"I can't seem to grasp this problem." Ava narrows her eyes. "Why would you want to enter the Maze? You're supposed to stay here with Jansen and I, and keep the operation running."

"I'm not going without him. I couldn't bare to be away from him." Grace states. "Please, Ava. Please just let me go."

"How does your father feel about this?" She raises an eyebrow. "You know he wants you safe at all times."

"I'll be safe." Grace promises. "I'll have the others to protect me."

"Darling, you do realize that you will have no memories of you and Thomas, right?" She asks softly from the seat in front of Grace. "Everything that you two have... will be diminished."

"Yes, Ava." Grace frowns, her eyes drifting to the table. "I do realize that. But I can't stay here while he's risking his life. It's what I want."

"There will be grave concequences to this choice. After the Maze trial is over, you will give Group A the allusion that you're dead. You will be sent with the second group to a facility, where you memories will be wiped again. After that, you will be given orders from Jansen. You won't have the ability to turn down anything he says. Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am." Grace nods.

"Are you positive that this is the route you would like to take?"

"I'm positive." Grace replies.

"Now, you are to wait in the tribute lounge, and wait for my signal. Once everything is prepped, I will have Teresa give you the Swipe. Thomas will not be informed of your absence, until your arrival in the Maze."

"Oh, and one more thing." Grace adds. "Don't tell my father about any of this. I know he wouldn't be very happy if he found out that I left without his permission."

"Jansen won't be informed." Ava shakes her head again. "Be prepared for anything we throw at you, Grace. But always know that I will be rooting for you."