Survivor - TWD (Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 49 - Hearts Still Beating

Nelly

The truck skids to a stop in front of Alexandria's gates, its tires kicking up dust as the engine idles. The gates creak open immediately, as if everyone inside knows to be ready and compliant. Negan steps out first, eyes glittering with anticipation as he demands Carl to lead him to his house. Carl doesn't hesitate, but there's a tension to his movements.

Negan strides confidently toward the house, swinging his bat loosely over one shoulder. He slams it against the front door, its echo cutting through the silence of the early morning. I exchange a quick look with Carl, his face tight and unreadable beside me. Behind us, several of Negan's Saviors linger, their eyes scanning every inch of the area.

The door opens, not revealing Rick or Michonne or Carol—who should be here—but Olivia, her face pale as she takes in the scene, her eyes widening at the sight of Negan.

I frown, sensing something is off. Where are they?

Negan wastes no time, walking past Olivia as if she's barely there. Carl and I follow, the atmosphere thickening with tension. Olivia's expression holds a trace of panic; she's clearly remembering what happened the last time Negan was here.

Negan whistles as he glances around, taking in the house with an air of disdainful appreciation, like he's claiming it for himself with every step.

"Carl, where's—" Olivia starts, her voice soft and full of worry.

Carl leans closer, his voice lowered. "Enid's fine." He gives her a quick nod, but he avoids my gaze, which only raises my suspicions. There's something he's not saying.

Meanwhile, Olivia slowly shuts the door, her hands trembling as she tries to collect herself. Negan notices her nerves and decides to press her further. "Great!" he exclaims with exaggerated enthusiasm, repeating the word like it's a punchline only he understands. Then his gaze sharpens. "Where's Rick?"

Olivia stammers, the tension in her face evident. "I—uh..."

Negan doesn't let up. "Don't care," he sings, his face breaking into that infuriating smirk. "Where's Rick?"

Her voice is barely above a whisper, her fear palpable. "He... He went out scavenging for you."

Negan's grin widens. "Cool. I'll wait."

I glance around the room, trying to assess the situation. If Rick is out, if Michonne and Carol are missing, then it must be Olivia looking after Judith. My heart drops. The last thing we need is for Negan to discover Rick's baby daughter hiding just upstairs. I tense at the thought, hoping Olivia keeps Judith out of sight.

Olivia's voice wavers, as if she's trying to excuse Rick's absence. "Um... he went out pretty far. They might not make it back today. We're running really low on everything. We're practically starving here," she says, her voice breaking with the strain of holding it together.

Negan's eyes rake over her with a mixture of contempt and amusement. "Starving?" His tone drips with mock sympathy. "You?" He says it with such blatant disrespect, my fists clench at my sides.

Negan catches my glare and raises his eyebrows, clearly entertained by my disdain. He smirks, shrugging. "Really? You people seriously don't have a sense of humor." But as Olivia's sobs fill the room, Negan rubs his face, like he's almost bored with his own cruelty. He steps forward, adopting a mockingly polite tone. "Excuse me. What's your name again?"

"Olivia," she says tightly, her anger flashing momentarily as she fights back her tears. I don't blame her; he nearly killed her last time, and now he has the nerve to treat her like this.