Bloodlines.

Chapter Thirty: Negan Forgives Simon.

Meanwhile, at the Sanctuary, Negan sat alone in his office, the usually commanding man uncharacteristically lost in thought. His elbows rested on the desk, his hands clasped tightly as he stared at the surface in front of him. His mind kept circling back to Alyssa and what Simon had done to her. The situation was spiraling into dangerous territory, and Negan knew it.

Simon was locked in the cells, his punishment far from over. The Sanctuary's doctor had managed to save his arm, though it was broken in three places and his hand had been badly cut open. Simon was bandaged up, but his injuries weren't just physical—his pride had been shattered, and Negan had made sure of it.

The rest of the Saviors had no idea what had actually happened. Negan had concocted a lie, telling them Simon had gotten injured escaping walkers during a collection run. It wasn't his best story, but it was enough to keep people from asking questions—for now.

But the truth was a different matter. If the Saviors ever found out what Simon had truly done to Alyssa, and that Negan had let her go back to Alexandria, it wouldn't go down well. It would raise questions about Negan's leadership, about his judgment, and about what Alyssa meant to him. He couldn't let that happen.

And then there was Dwight. Dwight knew the truth. He had been there. Negan's gaze flicked to the door, his jaw tightening. Dwight had looked distraught ever since Alyssa had been sent home. Negan wasn't sure where Dwight's loyalties lay anymore, and that uncertainty gnawed at him.

Dwight had always been a wildcard—obedient enough to stay alive but harboring resentment that even Negan couldn't completely control. And now, with the truth about Simon and Alyssa weighing heavily between them, Negan wasn't sure what Dwight would do. Would he talk? Would he act? Or would he keep his head down, as he always had?

Negan let out a slow exhale, leaning back in his chair. He was distraught too, though he'd never admit it aloud. What Simon had done had crossed a line, one that even Negan had no intention of tolerating.

Still, the Sanctuary depended on him to stay in control, and Negan couldn't afford to let his emotions—or the chaos Simon had caused—jeopardize everything he'd built. He had to keep a firm grip on his people, on Dwight, and on himself.

But as much as he tried to push the thoughts away, one question lingered in the back of his mind: What happens when Alyssa comes back for revenge?

Negan leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes catching sight of Dwight lingering outside his office. His lips curled into a sly smile, and he barked, "Dwighty boy! Get your ass in here."

Dwight entered the office, his expression tense but neutral. He stood stiffly in front of Negan, saying nothing, as Negan grabbed Lucille and slung her casually over his shoulder, leaning forward with a drawl.

"Dwighty boy... I think it's time you and I had ourselves a little chat," Negan began, his tone smooth but with an edge that made Dwight's stomach tighten.

Negan stood and began pacing slowly, his eyes never leaving Dwight. "Sherry's still missing. That super-hot wife of yours—well, not your wife anymore, your super-hot wife that's now my super-hot wife. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would ya, Dwight?"

Dwight shook his head quickly, but before he could speak, Negan cut him off.

"Save it," Negan snapped, his tone sharper now. "When I hear or see anything to do with Sherry, I'll drag her ass back here myself. But that's not why we're chatting right now."

Negan's pacing stopped abruptly as he turned to face Dwight, his expression darkening. "The real reason I called you in here, Dwighty boy, is to talk about what you saw between Simon and Alyssa Grimes... or should I say, what you didn't see."