In The End | Daryl Dixon

Chapter 64: The Price of Mercy

Daryl's POV

"So," Tyler said, drawin' out the word like he already knew the answer, "you and my sister, huh?"

He was sittin' across from me, sharpenin' a hunting knife like it owed him money. Casual posture, but his eyes were watchin' me close.

I didn't look up. Just kept tightenin' the strings on my crossbow, focusin' on the task more than I needed to.

"When'd that happen?" he pressed, the corner of his mouth twitchin'. 

I scoffed, shakin' my head. "Almost two years ago. Back when things first went sideways."

That got him quiet for a second. Not angry—just... takin' it in.

"Damn," he muttered. "I miss a couple years and you swoop in like some backwoods Cupid."

I finally looked up, brows raisin'. "You weren't there."

He let out a dry laugh. "Yeah. Trust me, I remember."

Silence hung between us a moment.

"I didn't even know if she made it out of Atlanta," he said finally, softer now. "I looked everywhere. Every street, every damn car. Thought she was gone. Until I found that farmhouse."

I nodded once, quiet. "She wasn't. She fought her way through. She's tough."

"Yeah, she always was," he said, almost to himself. Then he looked at me, eyes sharper now. "You keep her safe?"

I met his gaze. "Always."

He held the look a moment longer, then nodded slowly, like that was enough—for now.

"Y'know," he said, leanin' back with a smirk, "part of me wants to give you the 'hurt her and I'll gut you' speech just on principle."

I huffed a laugh. "Go ahead. Won't need it."

"Nah," he said, flipping the blade in his hand before sheathing it. "You got that look in your eyes. The kind that means she's already got you wrapped around her finger."

I smirked at that, just barely.

Tyler stood, clapped a hand on my shoulder on his way past.

"She loves you," he said simply. "Don't screw it up."

I didn't have time to respond.

The sound of the gates creakin' open pulled my attention.

I looked up and saw Rick and Michonne comin' through, movin' fast. Too fast. Both of 'em had that look—tight jaws, eyes heavy with bad news.

My gut twisted.

I stood up from the steps, my crossbow left on the steps. Tyler caught the shift in my posture and looked up too.

I watched them head straight for us, no hesitation. My heart was already beatin' faster.

Something was wrong.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice low but sharp. Like I already knew I wasn't gonna like the answer.

Rick looked at me—then at Tyler—and stopped just a few feet away.

He didn't speak right away. Michonne's eyes dropped to the ground.

Tyler stepped forward, brows furrowed. "Rick."

Rick blew out a breath, like even saying it would hurt. "It's Jordyn."

Everything in me stilled.

"What about her?" I said, my throat dry.

Rick swallowed. "Negan showed up at Alexandria. Looking for you. Both of you."