Chapter 3

"I don't want to go, Daryl," I sobbed into his chest, clutching his arms tightly.

"I know, but I'll be there with you. I won't let them hurt you," he said, but I could hear the fear in his voice. I knew he wouldn't be able to save me from any of them. Just as none of us could save each other back in that clearing.

We rode the rest of the way to Negan's camp in silence, the only sound being the tires turning on the asphalt, the air rushing by and the fear thumping in our hearts. The ride felt both short and long, but I knew when we had arrived. A chill ran up my spine, goose bumps spreading over my body. Breathe. I commanded myself. Keep breathing and give them what they want.

But what did they want? I wasn't sure I had it in me to give it to them, whatever it was. I couldn't be their paper doll; I wouldn't let them bend me how they wanted. What choice did I have, though? If I resisted, fought back, what would they do to me, to Daryl, or to the others back home? We had all gotten ourselves into this situation by not doing what was asked of us. Could I follow orders like a well-trained puppy?

"I don't think I can do this," I whispered. Daryl shifted his legs under me as the van slowed and took a turn.

"I'm not sure I can either," he answered.

"We have to," I added.

"Maybe," he rasped back.

The van stopped and Dwight looked back at us.

"Home, sweet, home!" He piped out.

The back doors to the van opened and sunlight poured in, blinding me. I squinted my eyes against the forceful rays as Simon commanded us out of the vehicle, Dwight standing beside him. I slowly edged myself forward and onto my feet, Daryl climbing out behind me. Immediately, someone grabbed my arm and began ushering me to what looked like an old factory building.

"Welcome to the Sanctuary! Right this way," Simon gestured to a set of double doors as if he were showing us into a Hilton hotel. He leaned heavily on the handle, his hand on his hip, "This, you shits, is your new home. You are not free here; you do not decide what you get to do here. Not until we break you two in a little."

Simon winked and smiled before pulling the door open to show dimly lit corridors. Not one door was open as we were led through a maze of hallways, each one looking like the last. The further inside we went, the more confused I got. I had no idea where I was at in this place.

"First stop, Daryl's new room," we were brought up short to a door that looked just like the rest. "This is a nice suite. Plenty of room for cowering in dark corners and wishing you were never born. You're gonna love it!"

Simon flashed his teeth at Daryl before Dwight and two other Saviors started ripping his clothes off. Simon started whistling as he unlocked the door. Daryl struggled with the Saviors, but they quickly overpowered him, his clothes falling to the floor in a heap. Simon flicked his eyes from Daryl toward me as he let out a long whistle.

"Does it feel cold in here to you?" He said to me as he swung the door open to reveal a small cell. "Inside you go!"

Simon grabbed hold of Daryl's arm and shoved him in. Daryl slammed against a concrete wall three steps inside. Simon quickly shut the door and locked it. He knocked on the door, "Hey, buddy, don't feel too bad. It does get kinda cozy in there after a while."

He turned to me.

"After you, my lady," Simon bowed to the side, his hands out in a gesture for me to precede him. The Savior guiding me shoved me forward and we walked through a couple more hallways before reaching the door that I would be locked behind. Simon stopped in front of the door and slowly turned to face me.

"Now," he said, tilting his head back, his eyes going wide. "We can do this two ways. You saw the first way with Daryl. We weren't exactly gentle with him, but that's how boys do, you know?"

My heart thumped in my chest like a bird trapped in a cage. My legs felt like jello and I was resisting the impulse to lash out and rake my nails across his face.

"Now, you being a lady and us gentlemen, we will give you the option to go inside, undress and pass your clothes out to us. If that isn't something you want to do, well, the nice men behind you sure wouldn't mind giving you a hand or two."

I narrowed my eyes at him and looked down. I took in a deep breath and steadied myself. Option two it was.

"I'll do it," I replied.

"Good. We'll be waiting here," Simon pushed the door in, his eyes still on me.

I looked at him for one more second before shifting my gaze inside the dark room. It was identical to Daryl's save for a small window located high up on the far left side; too high to reach and too small to fit through. I took a step past Simon and into the room, my arms wrapped around my chest.

"You have thirty seconds before we come in and help you," he added before shutting the door.

As soon as the door clicked shut, I gasped out a breath, feeling my chest spasm as I tried to breathe in. My hands were shaking as I grabbed my thighs as I bent over; I couldn't get control of myself and hot tears fell to the floor.

"Twenty seconds!" Simon's muffled voice called.

Shaky hands reached for the bottom of my sweater. I pulled it over my head and let it fall to the floor as I undid my belt and pants. I slid them down before they came to a stop above my laced boots.

"Ten seconds!" He called out again.

My fingers trembled nervously as I struggled to untie both boots and kick them off.

"Five seconds. Everything better be off in there once time is up!"

I pulled my socks off and reached to pull my undershirt over my head.

"Three, two," my underwear puddled on the floor. "One!"

The door creaked open just enough for a hand to reach through.

"Clothes please," Simon wiggled his fingers. I reached down, piling everything into my hands and placing them into his. The door opened a few more inches as he pulled his hands back out. I backed into the far corner behind the door.

"Let's see if we got everything: one bra, one pair of panties, a pair of jeans, socks, boots, one sweater, and an undershirt. Look like we got everything, boys, or should I go check?" Simon asked.

I heard laughs and voices of consent. I cowered against the corner, covering myself as Simon poked his head around the door. He smiled.

"Alrighty. Thanks for making it easy on us, darlin'," he shut the door, locking it into place.

I gasped and I slid down the rough wall to the concrete floor, tears forming rivulets down my cheeks. Choking on sobs, I huddled in that dark corner wondering what would come next. And nothing did, for a time. The minutes passed and so did the hours. Eventually, the small window on the opposite wall high above me began to darken.

My whole body felt numb, my face swollen and my head aching from shed tears. I tried so hard to keep my thoughts from going back to the morning, hearing the crunch and squelch of Lucille as she pulverized; saw the red, wet stickiness of blood flying through the air. I realized with a start that I still had Abraham's blood on me. I looked down at my chest, brushing my fingers against the dried blood.

I let my head fall back against the wall as I hugged my knees tighter against my chest. Through the window, I could see the stars winking in the indigo sky. The day was almost over. This bloody, cursed day was almost over and I had nothing but death to look forward to.

Thank you for reviewing, following and adding me to your favorites. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :)

I have been DYING to post more chapters this entire week, but I've rewritten all of them so many times... I keep thinking of new things to add or take away. It's kinda driving me crazy, but it's fun at the same time.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. It's one of my shorter ones and there's no Negan, but there will be more as the story goes on (of course)!