Bloodlines.

Chapter Thirty Two: Alyssa reunites with Daryl at Hilltop.

When the group returned to Alexandria, the weight of their new deal with Jadis still lingered. Rick and Michonne discussed their next steps, deciding they would head out scavenging for weapons. Alyssa stood with them, arms crossed, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be at Hilltop.

"I need to be at Hilltop," Alyssa said firmly, her voice resolute. "For Maggie. I can help teach the people combat. They need it."

Rick paused, studying her for a moment before nodding. "Yeah," he said. "You know more than most. From experience."

He hesitated, then added, "Take a car. You sure you can make the trip alone?"

Alyssa gave him a small nod. "Yeah. I'll be fine."

Tara stepped forward and pulled Alyssa into a warm hug. "Be careful, okay?" she said softly.

Alyssa gave her a quick smile before Aaron stepped in for a hug as well. "Don't forget—you're not alone in this," Aaron said gently, his concern evident.

Alyssa nodded, appreciating the support, even if she didn't fully acknowledge it aloud. As she turned toward the car, Carl came running out of the house with Judith in his arms. He set Judith down before throwing his arms around Alyssa in a tight hug.

"Hey," Alyssa said softly, her tone gentle as she knelt down to meet Carl's eyes. "I'll come back, okay? I just gotta check on Maggie. She needs me."

Carl nodded, his eyes full of trust. "Okay," he said quietly, stepping back with Judith in tow.

Alyssa gave him a small smile and ruffled his hair before standing up. As she climbed into the car, she took a deep breath, steadying herself. The trip to Hilltop wasn't just about helping Maggie or teaching combat—it was also about finding clarity, finding herself amidst the chaos that had taken hold of her life.

With one last glance at her family standing outside, Alyssa started the car and drove off, the road ahead uncertain but necessary.

The drive to Hilltop was long and quiet, giving Alyssa too much time alone with her thoughts. But she pressed on, gripping the wheel tightly, her determination outweighing the unease in her chest. When she finally neared Hilltop, she parked the car in the cover of the trees, far enough away to avoid drawing attention. If the Saviors showed up for a collection, she didn't want them noticing the car.

Alyssa continued on foot, her boots crunching softly on the gravel road as she approached the gates. When they opened, she was greeted by the shocked faces of Jesus and Maggie, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, their expressions a mix of relief and confusion. They had believed Alyssa was still at the Sanctuary, trapped in Negan's grasp.

Before Alyssa could say anything, Maggie rushed forward and threw her arms around her. Alyssa froze for a split second, but then she held Maggie tightly, her grip firm and protective.

"I'm here now," Alyssa breathed softly, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

Maggie nodded against her shoulder, holding her as though she was afraid to let go. "You're safe," Maggie whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Alyssa tightened her hold, her hand resting gently on Maggie's back. She could feel the weight of everything Maggie had been carrying—Glenn's death, the fight for Hilltop, the baby she was protecting. It was overwhelming, and Alyssa felt her own pain mix with Maggie's in that embrace.

"I'm here," Alyssa repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. She wasn't just saying it for Maggie—she was saying it for herself, too.

Jesus stood nearby, his face softening as he watched the reunion. He nodded slightly, a silent acknowledgment that Alyssa's presence was more than just a relief—it was a sign of
Maggie and Jesus walked Alyssa through the gates and into Hilltop. The familiar sights and sounds of the community buzzed around her, but Alyssa felt detached, her focus on putting one foot in front of the other.