𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

LVII. The Unquenchable Fire

All eyes widen in collective horror as a tower near the gates of Alexandria collapses, breaking through the protective walls. The world around them seems to freeze in that heart-wrenching moment, dust settling around the once-secure enclave. The eerie silence is swiftly replaced by the guttural growls and shuffling footsteps of the undead.

"Move," Esperanza urges, the urgency in her voice snapping Carl out of his shocked stupor. Struggling against the surreal scene unfolding before them, they are caught in the turmoil of the unexpected breach. "Come one!" Esperanza takes charge, dragging Carl along.

The air is charged with tension, shots ringing out in the distance as the gravity of the situation sets in. Esperanza's grip firm on Carl's arm tightens as she begins to drag him forward. Despite Carl's initial hesitation, he eventually yields and follows his sister, the urgency of their situation pushing them forward.

Madeleine's voice crackles through the radio. "Rick, you copy?" A brief pause hangs in the air before her voice resounds again, "Anybody?"

Hidden from the approaching herd of walkers, Eugene hears her voice. Spotting the radio on the ground, he swiftly snatches it up, recognizing the urgency in Madeleine's tone.

Bringing the radio to his lips, he whispers, "Help."

The siblings sprint away from the encroaching chaos, Esperanza leading Carl through the maze of dangers. Before the relentless walkers can close in, Esperanza's eyes widen at the sight of Jessie opening a door and gesturing them inside. With gunfire echoing behind them, the siblings rush into the relative safety of the house, Jessie following closely. Esperanza exhales a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she sees familiar faces—Deanna, Rick, Michonne, Ron, and Gabriel—already inside.

Rick strides purposefully toward his children, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he envelops them in a tight embrace. "Good, you're safe," he murmurs, the weight of worry lifting from his shoulders as he holds them close.

As they pull away, concern etches across Esperanza's features. "Where's Judith?"

Jessie gently scoops up the toddler from the crib in the living room, cradling Judith in her arms. Esperanza doesn't hesitate, walking over to her youngest sister and pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead before taking the toddler from Jessie. Rick's eyes flicker between his children, contemplating their next move in this unpredictable world.

"What now?"

Madeleine's leg bounces nervously as Daryl maneuvers the vehicle through the desolate road. The crackling help call from the radio had injected a palpable tension into the air, especially on the Grimes woman. Observing her increasing anxiety, Daryl places a steadying hand on her leg. She turns her head, studying the side of his face as he focuses intently on the road. Her eyes shift back ahead, but a veil of emotion seems to evaporate from her face, leaving her expressionless at his touch.