While leading Thomas deeper into the mountains, Teresa tells Thomas that she and Aris are a lot closer than Thomas is going to like. In fact, she can communicate telepathically with Aris and was doing so while she was in the Glade. Teresa says that Aris was a huge part of her life before the Maze, and the two always knew they would be reunited eventually. Thomas is taken aback, and notes that Teresa seems to be taking pleasure in the fact that he is speechless. Thomas refuses to believe Teresa, and calls her a liar, saying that she has been lying ever since he met her. Teresa tells Thomas that everything that happened between them has been a part of “a ridiculous test” (289), and that she and Aris are going to do what they were told to do. In the end, she says, WICKED is all that matters.

Thomas is visibly upset, and feels empty inside. Teresa then reveals that Aris is standing right behind Thomas, holding a knife. If Thomas tries anything, Aris will slice his throat. They continue walking until they reach a cave opening.