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Raven folded her arms and studied Aaron's face.
"Okay," she said firmly. "Don't tell Beth. I don't want her hopes up if they decide not to come."
Aaron hesitated. "Then do I tell them about Beth?"
"No. We don't know them yet."
Eric leaned against the wall, jaw set. "I won't stop until they come back with me."
Raven couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "God, I love your energy."
She handed Aaron a flare gun and took two more—one for Eric and one for herself. Just in case. The world had taught her the hard way that just in case was the only kind of planning that kept people alive. Abby would stay behind and hold the fort.
Raven walked down the hallway and knocked on Abby's door, waiting only a second before it swung open.
"Hey!" Abby said brightly.
"Hey, Raven! What's up?"
"I'm heading out with Aaron and Eric. I need you to watch over the place while I'm gone."
Abby's grin was immediate. "Hell yeah."
I chuckle and go to say goodbye to Beth and Enid.
Raven chuckled, then went to say goodbye to Beth and Enid. She kept it light, quick, pretending it was just another supply run. Beth hugged her a little longer than usual, fingers clinging to Raven's jacket like she already sensed something changing.
Outside, Raven waved to everyone and climbed into the car with Aaron and Eric.
"Bye!" she called.
The gate creaked open, and as they pulled away, Raven looked back. Her kids stood together, shoulders tight, eyes glassy—too close to breaking down. She forced herself to face forward.
They drove until the road curved toward the RV. Raven and Eric checked it quickly, restocking what they could, then retreated to the warehouse they'd cleared a month earlier. It was quiet. Too quiet.
They waited until dawn before moving again.
That was when Raven spotted him—an older man, thin and exhausted, balancing awkwardly on one leg. She and Eric broke into a run. Eric stumbled, swearing as he went down hard, clutching his ankle.
Raven sat him up quickly. "Stay here," she said, already scanning the area. Then she turned and jogged to the man.
"Hey," she called gently. "Are you okay?"
He shook his head, eyes wet. "I'm trying to find my family."
"What's your full name?"
"Hershel Greene."
Raven froze. Her heart skipped. "Wait... are you related to Beth Greene?"
The man's breath caught. "Oh my God—yes. Do you know her? Is she okay?"
Relief softened Raven's voice. "She's alive. She's safe. She's back at my home."
Hershel sagged with emotion. Raven stepped forward, steadying him. "Come on. My friend's hurt—we'll regroup."
She helped him back to Eric and fired the flare gun into the sky.
Minutes later, the RV came barreling toward them—packed. Armed. Raven instinctively stepped in front of Eric as figures spilled out, weapons raised. She lifted her own gun, heart pounding.
Before anything could happen, Hershel spoke.
"Lower your weapons," he said urgently. "She saved me. And Beth—Beth is alive."
Voices erupted all at once. Raven raised her free hand. "Everyone, calm down. She's safe. She's living at my place with my daughter. But... I don't know how much she remembers."
Maggie stepped forward, stunned. "Why wouldn't she remember us?"
"She fell hard at the hospital we pulled her from," Raven said evenly. "I'll take you to her in the morning. I need to wait for Aaron."
"He's with our group leader," someone said quickly.
Raven's jaw tightened. "He better not be hurt."
"He's fine."
They moved into the warehouse for the night. Raven cleaned Eric's ankle, then tended to Hershel. When she finished, footsteps echoed—and Aaron was suddenly there, pulling her into a tight hug before kneeling beside Eric.
Another man entered then—Rick, she guessed.
"If we're staying the night," he said, measured, "you'll be in separate rooms."
Raven straightened. "If you want me to leave them, you'll have to shoot me."
Before Rick could respond, Maggie stepped in. "He's injured. And she clearly runs things here. Let them stay together."
The drive back to the community was tense. Raven overheard Maggie whispering to Glenn.
"I don't think Beth hit her head. I think they just told her we were dead."
Anger flared hot in Raven's chest. "We would never do that," she said sharply. "Wait until Beth comes outside. If she sees you and remembers—she'll show it."
When the RV stopped, Raven stepped out and pulled the walkie-talkie from her belt.
"Abby," she said, pressing the button. "We're coming back. Have everyone outside. We've got newcomers."
"I'm so happy!" Abby replied.
"Over and out."
Back inside, Maggie and Glenn watched her in silence.
The gates opened slowly. Raven slipped Eric's arm over her shoulder to help him walk. As they entered, Beth suddenly broke free from the crowd and ran toward them.
Maggie opened her arms— but Beth flew past her.
She launched herself at Raven instead.
Raven caught her just in time, holding her upright. She glanced up and saw Maggie's face crumble as Beth didn't even look her way.
"I missed you so much," Beth whispered, voice shaking. "I couldn't do it alone without Enid."
Raven swallowed. "I've got some people who want to see you. Is that okay?"
Beth nodded, then slipped her hand into Raven's. "Can I hold your hand?"
"Of course."
Raven led her forward. Maggie rushed in and wrapped Beth in a hug—but Beth stiffened, fear flashing across her face. Raven gently pulled her back, and Beth immediately hid behind her.
Raven turned to the group. "Why don't we go to my office so I can interview you properly?"
Rick nodded. "Where will we be staying?"
"You've got options," Raven replied. "There's a house next to mine—three bedrooms. Or the underground base. That one's set up like a hotel: four rooms, two beds each, stocked food, and working hot water."
She looked down at Beth's hand still gripping hers—and knew, without a doubt, that this reunion was only the beginning of something much bigger.
