CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
To my relief, this exit did not lead into yet another tunnel. Instead, it became a winding metal staircase that went straight up. Unfortunately, it was too dark to see how high up it went, but I was excited about the possibility that it might lead me all the way up to Longworth’s lab. At the very least, it might take me to the next level of the maze, which would bring me closer to the surface and closer to freedom in general.
Despite my excitement, however, I did not run up the steps as fast as I could have. Instead, I took them slowly and cautiously, trying not to make too much noise. I didn’t want to announce my presence to Longworth before I even showed up, but neither did I want to waste any time climbing the stairs when there was a strong possibility that my frie
