𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

LIX. The Hilltop at the End of the Road

The room is bathed in the soft glow of dimmed lights, an intoxicating blend of nervous excitement and burgeoning desire as Esperanza and Freya lock eyes. As their lips meet in a tender and sweet kiss, the world outside seems to fade away, leaving only the gentle rhythm of their heartbeats. The feeling is electric, a delightful blend of anticipation and genuine affection.

Their hands explore each other's curves with a delicate touch, fingers tracing patterns of newfound intimacy. The subtle art of undressing becomes a playful exchange, an unspoken language of desire and admiration. Each layer peeled away is met with an appreciative gaze, as if discovering the beauty beneath for the first time.

The room becomes a sanctuary, a sacred space where inhibitions are shed alongside clothing, creating a canvas for the shared vulnerability that accompanies the beginning of any romantic journey.

Esperanza's head gently lifts, her eyes locking with Freya's as she plants a sweet kiss on her lips. Freya reciprocates with a soft touch, a hand cupping Esperanza's cheek with a tenderness that speaks of the blossoming emotions between them.

"Michonne told me she found Carl in the woods with Enid," Esperanza reveals, prompting a furrow of confusion on Freya's face.

"What were they doing there?" Freya inquires, her curiosity etched on her features like an open book, a testament to the genuine concern she holds for those around her.

Esperanza shrugs subtly, a sigh escaping her lips, "Being kids, reading comics, laughing... but they found Deanna." Freya averts her gaze at the mention of Deanna, and Esperanza notices the subtle shift. "She took care of it."

Freya locks eyes with Esperanza, her touch gentle as she caresses Esperanza's cheek. "I miss her; she took me in. Treated me as if I was her daughter at times."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Esperanza murmurs softly, her fingers running through Freya's hair. "Grief is a disease."

Freya meets Esperanza's gaze, finding solace in their shared understanding. "Can't be hung up on the past; we have to live for those who didn't."

Freya leans in, planting a tender kiss on Esperanza's lips. Esperanza smiles against Freya's lips, the sweetness of the moment enveloping them like a cocoon of warmth.

"You make everything feel lighter," she confesses, her voice a soft melody in the quiet night.

Freya chuckles softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Esperanza's face. "You do the same for me."

"What the hell are you doing in our house?"

In a hurried flurry, Madeleine throws on Daryl's shirt, a sense of urgency gripping her as her brother's voice filters through her door. Daryl hands her a gun before she steps out to find her brother, gun pointed at Jesus. The clatter of Daryl pulling on some pants and snatching his own firearm echoes in the background as he joins them.