𝖣𝖺𝗋𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖪𝖾𝖾𝗉𝗌 𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖬𝖾 | ᴅᴀʀʏʟ ᴅɪxᴏɴ ³

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜɪʀᴛʏ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ

«TRAPPED»

"You gotta scream louder," John taunted Carol, his voice echoing in the darkness, as Alpha walked away, leaving them shrouded in complete blackness.

Carol breathed heavily, her breaths loud and erratic in the oppressive silence that enveloped them.

"Should have thought twice before you walked us right into a goddamn trap!" John accused her, his voice sharp and unforgiving.

"Blaming each other ain't gonna solve anything," Logan said. "Let's figure out how to get out of here."

"Help me up," Magna requested. "I'll try to climb back up that slope."

Aaron and Daryl made an effort to lift her, but she slipped and tumbled down.

"You all right?"

"I almost had it."

"No, it's too high," Daryl cautioned. "You risk breakin' your neck. We need to find a better way."

Chloe surveyed their surroundings, only to be met with an ocean of Walkers between them and the other side.

"Any ideas?" Logan asked as they all directed their flashlights.

"Groundwater's deeper in here," Daryl pointed to the water dropping from the ceiling on the opposite side. "That water's coming from outside."

"I don't see a way across," Carol remarked.

"Whoa, whoa," Logan shouted as Tom nearly slipped off the cliff they were standing on.

"Go back, go back."

"Tom, be careful!" Chloe exclaimed, gripping his arm.

"I'm alright."

"We could use those to jump across," Daryl suggested, pointing at the large rocks scattered between the Walkers.

"Nice," Aaron acknowledged.

"Wait," Kelly said. "For real?"

"Yeah," Chloe affirmed.

"Alright," Daryl turned to face them. "You ready?"

He continued, "I'll go first."

"Let's go," Logan urged them.

Daryl leapt first, the Walkers converging on the rock he attempted to balance on. Chloe observed with wide eyes, her heart racing in her chest as he hopped onto the next rock. Once he steadied himself, he spun around, gesturing for Chloe to jump next.

With her gaze fixed on Tom, who nodded at her, she positioned herself at the edge, her leg muscles primed to spring into action. Her heart seemed to quicken, preparing to fuel the muscles with the blood needed for the movement.

She jumped.

The landing was precise, but she felt her legs tremble as she attempted to steady herself, her eyes scanning the encroaching arms of the Walkers reaching for her. Yet, Daryl's voice cut through the chaos, urging her to focus on him.

"Look at me," he said, waiting for her nod of affirmation before swiftly pivoting and leaping to the next spot.

Now, it was Tom's turn. As Chloe turned to face the group who were watching them anxiously, she found Tom poised on the edge, ready to jump. "You okay?" he shouted over the clamour.