Bloodlines.

Chapter Twelve: Negan comes to alexandria.

Two days had passed since Negan's devastating show of power, and back at Alexandria, things had shifted drastically. Alyssa had stepped into the leadership role without hesitation, taking charge in ways that no one, not even Rick, could manage anymore.

Spencer and Tobin were stationed in the two guard towers, keeping a vigilant watch. Rosita patrolled the perimeter, scanning for any signs of incoming threats. Alyssa herself rarely stopped moving. She coordinated the defense, checked weak points in the walls, and made sure everyone understood their roles.

Her age didn't matter. No one questioned her authority. The group was grieving and broken, but under Alyssa's leadership, they felt safer. She wasn't Rick—she wasn't deliberating or hesitating. She was decisive, relentless, and unyielding.

Rick, by contrast, was a shadow of his former self. Quiet, subdued, and haunted, he rarely left Michonne's side, clinging to her like a lifeline. He didn't interfere with Alyssa's decisions. It seemed he lacked the strength—or the will—to challenge her.

Alyssa kept baby Judith with her as much as possible, carrying her around the community while she worked. Judith had become a source of calm for Alyssa, a reminder of why she couldn't stop or falter.

There was still no word from Carol or Morgan. The unknown weighed heavily on Alyssa, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she channeled her energy into keeping Alexandria ready for whatever came next.

The sound of the main gate clanging echoed through Alexandria, snapping everyone's attention to the front. Negan's unmistakable voice boomed, accompanied by the rhythmic thud of Lucille against the gate.

"Little pig, little pig... let me in!" he drawled, his tone mocking and menacing all at once.

Spencer approached the gate hesitantly, his nerves visible as he peeked through. Slowly, he pulled it open just enough to see the towering man on the other side, Lucille resting casually on his shoulder. Behind him, a line of vehicles full of Saviors waited, engines rumbling ominously.

Negan grinned at Spencer. "Well... who are you?"

Spencer's voice wavered. "Who are you?"

Negan laughed, the sound booming through the air. "Oh, you better be joking. Negan. Lucille. I know I had to make a pretty strong first impression."

Before Spencer could respond, Alyssa stormed forward, her boots pounding against the dirt as she approached the gate. Her expression was set in a hard scowl, her posture radiating defiance.

Negan's grin grew wider as his eyes landed on her. "Well, hello there..." he drawled, stepping closer to the gate. "Do not make me have to ask."

Alyssa's glare didn't falter. "You said a week. You're early." Her voice was sharp, biting.

Negan chuckled, stepping aside to allow his Saviors to roll up closer behind him. "What can I say? I missed you," he said with a smirk, his tone almost playful as his eyes gleamed with amusement.

Without another word, Alyssa grabbed the gate and dragged it open fully, her movements tense but deliberate.

Negan stepped through, gesturing for his men to follow. "Ah, there we go. I like someone who knows how to be hospitable," he teased, flashing her another grin as he walked past her and into Alexandria.

Alyssa's jaw tightened, her fists clenched at her sides. She refused to look at him, keeping her gaze on the Saviors pouring into the community behind him.

Negan glanced back at her as he strolled through the open gate. "C'mon, miss mouth. Let's make this fun."

As Negan stepped inside the gate, a low growl cut through the air. A lone walker stumbled from the treeline toward the group. Negan's eyes lit up as he grinned, raising Lucille.