Between Arrows and Hearts - Daryl Dixon

Puzzle Pieces

"Ready?"

Hershel's voice echoed in Cass's mind, carrying a weight that lingered even as the gate creaked open. The group —Rick, Daryl, T-Dog, Glenn, Maggie, and herself— moved forward quickly, slipping into their planned formation.

Cass fell into position at the back, flanked by Maggie on one side and Daryl on the other. The tension in her body was palpable, her senses on high alert. Every muscle was coiled, her machete gripped tightly as adrenaline dictated her movements, killing any walker that crossed her path.

Despite the strange dynamic between them, months of surviving together had created habits that neither Cass nor Daryl could seem to shake. One of those was his silent check-ins. It wasn't verbal communication, but Cass had come to understand them, like reading a language she hadn't realized she'd learned. So, when her eyes met Daryl's, she gave him a small nod, a quiet reassurance that said everything he needed to know.

I'm fine.

Then Rick's sharp voice broke through her thoughts. "Don't break rank!"

Cass's head snapped toward the commotion just as T-Dog darted forward, ignoring the sheriff's warning to grab a set of riot shields lying on the ground. The momentary disorganization sent her heart racing, but the group quickly reformed, a silent understanding pulling them back into sync.

The approach to the cell block was tense. Rick signaled for everyone to press against the wall, and Cass strained her ears. The groans were louder now, coming from around the corner. Her fingers tightened on the machete as five walkers in riot gear rounded the corner. 

Daryl was the first to act, but his crossbow bolt bounced harmlessly off the visor of one of the armored walkers. 

The group surged forward, taking on the walkers as they advanced. Cass swung at the closest one, her machete slicing through decayed flesh as she kept pace with the group.

When she caught sight of a armored walker lunging toward Maggie, her body moved instinctively. She grabbed it from behind, using all her strength to hold it back while her free hand yanked the helmet upward, creating just enough of an opening.

"Maggie!" She shouted, her voice sharp and urgent.

Maggie didn't hesitate. She drove her knife into the exposed jaw of the walker, causing the body to collapse in the ground.

The rush of adrenaline hit Cass like a wave, and a wild laugh escaped her lips as she high-fived Maggie. Both of them were breathless, their faces flushed with a mix of exhilaration and disbelief.

"See that?" Maggie panted, turning to Glenn and T-Dog, who stood frozen for a moment before snapping into action. Glenn raised a walker helmet, and T-Dog drove his crowbar into the head with a decisive thrust.

When the last of the walkers fell, Cass felt a surge of triumph. Her chest heaved as she scanned the cleared area. They'd done it. They'd secured the space without firing a single shot.

Cass caught Daryl's eyes on her again, so she gave him a small smile. That was all he needed. Without any word, Daryl moved back to Rick's side.

But the momentary relief was short-lived. Rick's sharp gaze swept the area, his expression hardening as he stopped Glenn, who was about to open the gate to let the others in.

"Does it look secure?" Glenn asked, his confusion clear.

Rick didn't answer immediately, but Daryl's voice broke the silence. "Not from the look of that courtyard over there." Pointing toward a body lying near the yard, he added. "And that's a civilian."

"Maybe she was visiting?" Cass suggested, though the hopeful note in her voice felt false even to her.

"Or the interior could be overrun with walkers from outside the prison." T-Dog added grimly, leaning against the wall to catch his breath.