Unbreakable threads

Chapter Sixty: First Battle with the Governor.

As the group moved around the prison, busying themselves with preparations and securing the grounds, Alyssa felt the weight of Merle's secret pressing on her like a stone in her chest. Every time she glanced toward Daryl, she felt a pang of guilt twisting in her stomach. He had no idea that his brother was out there, likely facing the Governor's men alone, buying them time with his own life. She wanted to tell him, to warn him, but she knew that doing so would only make Merle's sacrifice meaningless.

Rick was barking orders, directing people to stack pallets and reinforce weak spots in the fences. He moved with a focus and determination that barely masked the tension in his eyes. They all knew an attack could come at any moment, that the Governor wouldn't sit back after what had happened. Daryl was nearby, securing his crossbow, his movements sharp and precise, unaware of what was happening out there.

Alyssa's fingers itched, her heart pounding as she helped Carl load supplies into the truck. Every can of food, every roll of bandages felt heavier than it should. In her mind, she pictured Merle at that shack, standing his ground, facing down the Governor's men alone. She could almost see him, his smirk, that rough bravado masking the depth of his intentions.

Daryl finally glanced over at her, his expression briefly softening, and she had to look away. She couldn't let him see the truth in her eyes, couldn't let him know what she was hiding. It felt like betrayal, like she was keeping something vital from him, but she had to hold it in. For Merle. For the group. For the chance that his sacrifice might give them the edge they needed.

Alyssa moved with purpose, her face set in determination as she approached Carl and Beth, who was gently cradling baby Judith. She reached into her holster, pulling out a gun and pressing it into Carl's hands, her eyes meeting his with a fierce intensity.

"Keep this with you," she said quietly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Make sure you're safe. Keep an eye on Judith." Her voice softened slightly, a flicker of warmth breaking through her hardened exterior as she squeezed his shoulder. Carl nodded, understanding the unspoken message in her gaze. This wasn't just about survival—it was about family, about protecting each other in ways that went beyond words.

Turning to Beth, she handed her a small pistol, her hand lingering for a moment as she looked into Beth's eyes. "You take care of them, too," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of everything she felt for Beth, everything she'd kept hidden, was there in her gaze—worry, affection, something deeper she hadn't quite put words to yet. She'd seen the way Beth handled herself, calm and gentle but stronger than anyone gave her credit for. Alyssa trusted her with this, with Judith, with Carl... with her heart, in a way she couldn't fully explain.

Beth looked at the pistol in her hands, a flicker of surprise in her expression, but she didn't protest. She met Alyssa's eyes, giving her a small, reassuring nod. "I will," she promised, her voice steady, laced with a quiet determination that told Alyssa she meant it.

As Alyssa stepped back, she took one last look at the three of them—Carl, her little brother, stronger than his years; Judith, so tiny and vulnerable; and Beth, holding them both together.

As Alyssa turned to walk away, she caught sight of her father and Daryl approaching her. Rick's gaze was steady, a mix of curiosity and concern flashing in his eyes as he watched her slip Carl and Beth the weapons. Daryl's eyes, however, were sharper, more scrutinizing. He knew her well enough to tell when something was brewing beneath the surface, even if they hadn't been on the best terms lately.

Rick stepped forward first, crossing his arms as he looked down at his daughter. "What's going on, Alyssa?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with a seriousness that left no room for evasion. "I saw what you just did. You're acting... different."