"Considering the alternative might have been trying to get through all that and patching myself up alone, I'm glad I'm with you guys, too," he said, letting go go Wyatt's hand, his voice wobbly but filled with gratitude.

It was the kind of situation that could very easily turn sour but none of them were about to turn on the others for no reason. He could see why Venus had chosen the other two men now. If there was a way to help each other instead of hurt, if there was a way to get everybody through, they seemed just as dedicated at trying to make that happen.

"Here's hoping we get a better chance to get to actually know each other after this. But for now, we should catch up with those two before the maze throws something in our way so let's get going. I think I can move now."

He gingerly climbed to his feet.