Title: Just Turn the Wheel and the Future Changes

Author: Reign of Love

Word Count: 1,064

Notes: Sorry for the long wait! I got caught up in work and then let my mental health plummet. So… Yeah, sorry. Hopefully you guys are still interested in the story. Hopefully I can still make it interesting. If possible, I'd really like if I can get some feedback on my writing. I know it's not amazing, but having some constructive criticism is always welcome.*

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don't own TWD or any of its characters. I only own my characters and any changes I make.

Chapter One

Celeste's heart was beating painfully against her ribs. Sweat was beginning to form above her brow and her breathing was becoming incredibly shallow. Anxiety settled in the pit of her stomach, her chest tightening with every passing second. Every muscle in her body screamed at her to grab her bat — to grab anything — so she'd at least have something to defend herself with. She had no way of knowing what this man was capable of. But she couldn't. She couldn't. The man in front of her still had his crossbow aimed at her, at her head, and she felt any movement would give him enough reason to fire. She didn't need to be injured — or worse, dead — just so she could have a fraction of a chance at defending herself. Instead, Celeste took a moment to take in the man's appearance. He was filthy, probably just as filthy as his clothes. His brown hair was shaggy, and he was sporting some facial hair as well, just not very pronounced. He looked like the redneck, backwoods kind of guy. The kind of guy Celeste would try to avoid before things went to shit.

The man's eyes were alert, keeping track of her as well as scanning his surroundings. He clearly knew how to work that crossbow, given how easily he used it to kill the dead one. He was a hunter. Which is both good and bad. It meant he could take care of himself, using that crossbow to get food and protect himself. But he could also take down anyone he deemed a threat. He'd be able to take down his victims without them even knowing he was there.

Real shame I didn't grab a gun on the way out, Celeste thought bitterly. At least then I'd have a chance against him.

She forced the thought out of her head. She needed to stay calm, stay rational. As nice as having another weapon on hand would be, she couldn't afford to be stupid.

It took a moment before Celeste realized the man was looking at her expectantly, impatiently. A scowl was on his face, his body tense as he waited for her to… what? Did he say something? If he did, she didn't catch it. His face was partially covered by his crossbow anyway, so even if he did say something, Celeste wouldn't be able to make it out. The only reason she knew to drop her bat was because of the weapon aimed at her. She wasn't about to fight a losing battle. Even if, deep down, she was desperate to try something.

When it looked like he was saying something else, his scowl deepening, Celeste felt her heart jump in her throat. She waved at him to stop, and he did, pausing in confusion at her action.

Hesitantly, Celeste did the one thing she hated doing, and that's talk.

"I'm sorry," she stated, trying to enunciate every word that left her mouth as best she could. "But I can't hear you if I can't see your face."

Celeste mentally cringed. She slurred, mispronounced, and chopped so many words as she spoke, but she could only pray she got her sentence across. Grammarly, she spoke almost perfect English; it was just the way she said it that made her hard to understand.

She watched as the man in front of her paused upon hearing her, brows furrowing and crossbow lowering just a fraction. Celeste averted her gaze from his for a moment before meeting his eyes again. It was a minute or two later before slight shock washed over his features. His body remained tense, crossbow slightly lowered so she could at least see his mouth. It didn't take long for the scowl to come back on his face, or the impatience to work its way back into his body language.

"Are ya with a group?" he asked.

Celeste thought quickly about what she was going to say to him. Mentioning that she was separated for her group might not be a good idea, but if he left her here she would most likely die. She knew that she wouldn't be able to make it on her own, especially with barely any food and water.

"I'm alone," she answered truthfully, and the man nodded. "I was just… passing through." She paused for a moment. "I'm sorry I wasn't responding. I don't like to talk when I don't have too." Celeste looked at his face again when he stayed quiet, seeing that he was thinking about something while he looked at her. Her chest tightened even more, almost painfully. Did she say something bad? Oh God, she hoped she didn't say the wrong thing.

"Ya been bit?" he asked, slowly lowering his crossbow. She shook her head as she let out a relieved breath.

"I would be careful in these woods, though. I managed to get away from some a few days ago," she responded, signing her sentence as she did so. Celeste saw his eyes snap to her hands, studying the movements, before quickly processing her words. His eyes sparkled with anger as a curse slipped out of his mouth. "Quite a few, actually. I only managed to grab my bat."

"How many?"

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Two dozen, maybe more. I didn't stick around to check."

"Ya sure ya ain't bit?" he pressed, his eyes narrowing. She quickly nodded. "Where'd ya see them walkers?"

Celeste's brows furrowed in confusion. What were walkers?

"Walkers!" he nearly snapped at her, the irritation clearly noticeable on his face. "Those livin' dead things!"

Celeste shook her head, anxiously wringing her hands together. "I— They were…," she stammered, the words suddenly not coming out as clearly as she wanted. She could see his irritation steadily rising, and it only added to her anxiety. She was quickly, desperately trying to form the words in her head before speaking. "I've been traveling for two days," she said. "They were farther back from wherever I am now. Some broke off as I was escaping. I can't tell you exactly where the horde is, because I don't entirely know."

Letting out a huff, the man looked at Celeste's face, studying her. There was a moment of silence before he let out another curse. He motioned for her to follow and after a moment's hesitation, Celeste did.

Reign of Love: I did some edits on this chapter, just as an FYI. This will be something I do if I feel any changes need to be made. Thank youu!*