For a fleeting moment, Thomas actually thought he was going to win. When Derek had fallen behind, Thomas had almost faltered and turned to stare at him like this was all crazy. He hadn't expected to be the one that would have to tell a secret. He hadn't prepared for that.

Then, it all changes. Derek breezed by him and Thomas tried to speed up, to keep pace but couldn't keep up. He managed to keep Derek's broad shoulders and dark hair in his sights but every single time he got closer, Derek pulled further away.

By the time the salt of the ocean hit him, he was panting and sucking in great gulps of air. He came to a stop, legs feeling wobbly and unstable. The last time he'd run that fast, he'd been drawing the Griever away from Alby in an insane attempt to save both their lives.

"You're fast," Thomas panted, hands on his hips. "Shuck, you're a fast shank. You barely look tired."