Within

twenty five

Ariana followed the Saviour back through Alexandria, her heart heavy and her mind a tangled mess of guilt and sorrow.

She couldn't shake the image of Michonne's tear-streaked face, her words echoing in her mind:
"He's using you... He's poisoned you... He's a monster."

Each step felt like a betrayal to the family she once belonged to. The Saviour beside her said nothing, keeping his eyes forward, but Ariana could feel his silent judgment like a knife in her side.

They reached the gates to Alexandria, where Negan was leaning against a car, talking to Simon. The sight of him made Ariana's stomach churn with a confusing mix of emotions. Negan, with his leather jacket and Lucille resting over his shoulder, looked every bit the ruler of this broken world. His easy smile was directed at Simon, but the moment his gaze flicked to Ariana, it faded, replaced by a keen, assessing look.

Negan pushed himself off the truck and took a few steps toward her, his brow furrowing as he noticed the tension in her posture, the sadness in her eyes. He glanced at the Saviour, who gave a quick nod before walking away, leaving them alone.

Negan's eyes never left Ariana's face. He tilted his head, his tone shifting from playful to concerned.

"What's wrong, sweetheart? You look like you've seen a ghost." He reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. "Did something happen in there? Did someone say something to you?"

Ariana flinched at his touch, her eyes flicking away from his intense gaze. She took a step back, trying to put some distance between them.

"It's nothing." She muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... saw Michonne. It was hard, that's all."

Negan's jaw tightened, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.

"Michonne." He repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. "What did she say to you?"

His hand dropped from her face, clenching into a fist at his side.

Ariana swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady.

"She... she doesn't understand why I'm with you. She thinks I'm making a mistake." Ariana's eyes flicked up to meet Negan's, a challenge in them. "She thinks you've brainwashed me."

Negan's lips curled into a mocking smile, though his eyes were cold.

"Is that so?" He chuckled, but there was no humor in the sound. "Well, that's just like her, isn't it? Always thinking she knows best for you. But we know what's best."

Ariana looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and defiance. "Do we?"

Ariana felt a tear slip down her cheek, but she didn't move to wipe it away. She held Negan's gaze, searching his eyes for some hint of the man she thought she knew, the man who was more than just a monster. But all she saw was the same ruthless determination, the same darkness that Michonne had warned her about. The man she had chosen.

He leaned down, his lips brushing over hers in a lingering kiss, one that spoke of possession and control.

As their lips touched, Ariana heard a gasp behind them. She pulled back slightly, her eyes flicking over Negan's shoulder to see Michonne standing a few feet away, her face a mask of shock and anger. The katana was in Michonne's hand, her knuckles white from gripping the hilt so tightly.

"Michonne..."

Ariana whispered, guilt flooding through her as she saw the betrayal in Michonne's eyes. She took a step back, trying to put some distance between herself and Negan, but Negan's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her back against him.

Michonne's eyes blazed with fury, her jaw clenched tight.

"You..." She hissed, her voice low and dangerous. "You leave her alone. LEAVE HER ALONE."

Negan chuckled darkly, as he walked towards Michonne. "You got something to say, Michonne?"

Michonne's eyes narrowed, and in a swift, fluid motion, she raised her katana, the blade catching the light as it gleamed menacingly.

"Let her go, Negan." She demanded, her voice cold as steel. "Or I swear I'll take your fucking head off right here."

Ariana's heart pounded in her chest, panic seizing her as the tension around them coiled tighter.

"Michonne, don't." She pleaded, her voice breaking.
"Please, just go. I'm fine."

Negan's eyes darkened, his expression turning deadly. His hands raised mockingly in surrender.

"Now, now, let's not do anything rash." He laughed.
"You really think you can take me down, huh? With all my people watching? They've got guns and you've got your pretty sword?"

Michonne didn't waver, her stance firm, katana poised to strike.

"I don't care." She spat. "I'm not letting you corrupt her. I'm not letting you turn her into one of your twisted followers."

Before Negan could respond, a movement to the side caught Ariana's eye. Rick emerged from the shadows, moving to Michonne's side, his face pale with fear. He grabbed Michonne's arm, his eyes darting nervously between her and Negan.

"Michonne, don't." Rick urged, his voice trembling slightly. "We don't want to start anything here. Not now."

Negan's smirk grew, sensing the fear emanating from Rick.

"Listen to the man." He taunted, taking a step closer to Rick and Michonne. "He knows what's good for you. There are rules in my world, and you don't get to break them."

Michonne's gaze flickered to Rick, her resolve wavering as she saw the fear in his eyes. She knew what Negan was capable of, knew how many lives he held in the balance. But her anger and protectiveness over Ariana wouldn't let her back down so easily.

"Rick, he's manipulating her." Michonne said, her voice tight with emotion. "You can see that, can't you?! We can't just stand by and let him do this!"

Rick swallowed hard, his grip on Michonne's arm tightening.

"I know, Michonne." He said softly, his voice laced with desperation. "But we can't do this here. Not like this. We'll find another way. Just... put the sword down, okay?"

Negan watched the exchange with a gleeful expression, his eyes flicking to Ariana, who stood frozen in place.

"You hear that, darlin'?" He said, his voice smooth as silk. "Your friends don't want any trouble. They're smart. I'm damn impressed at this little show!"

Michonne's jaw tightened, her eyes burning with fury, but she slowly lowered the katana, her shoulders slumping in reluctant defeat.

"This isn't over, Negan." She said through gritted teeth, her voice shaking with barely contained rage.

Negan chuckled, the sound low and menacing.

"Oh, I'm countin' on it." He said, his gaze never leaving Michonne's. "But for now, you're gonna walk away, and you're gonna keep your mouth shut. Because if you don't, I'll make sure you regret it."

Rick gently pulled Michonne back, his eyes pleading as he led her away from Negan and Ariana.

"Come on, Michonne." He said quietly. "We'll figure this out."

As they walked away, Michonne shot one last, searing look at Ariana, her eyes filled with pain and betrayal. Ariana watched them go, a lump forming in her throat, knowing she had crossed a line she could never uncross.