Negan

I noticed that it was a lot easier for Nyx to put up the barrier than when she showed us how it worked at Alexandria. She was able to create all the sigils all around Sanctuary from just standing in one spot. Her smile that followed was genuine and she seemed happy when she turned around. I saw some other emotion flash in her eyes for just a moment before it was gone.

"Thank you, Negan for everything." She looked so much better than when I had picked her up from Alexandria.

"Are you sure you want to walk back to Alexandria? I can give you a ride, Darlin." She shook her head.

She came over to me and hugged me. Then she pulled away and smiled up at me.

"I want to walk. It's been awhile since I've felt like this. I'll be back in one month's time," I smiled down at her, "should I come pick you up, Darlin?"

She nodded, "I'd like that."

She walked away from me and I watched until she vanished from my sight.

Nyx

As I came upon Alexandria's gates it was evening and the gate opened quickly. Daryl and Rick ran out to greet me.

"Nyx, are you alright?" I smiled at Rick and nodded.

"Why didn't ya tell us you were exhausted?" I turned to look at Daryl.

"Who isn't tired, Daryl? Everyone is tired and stretched thin ever since we've begun dealing with Negan. I'm fine now. I'm all good," Rick placed a hand on my shoulder, "they didn't hurt you did they?"

"No Rick they didn't. I'm fine. I'm just glad to be home." Rick and Daryl shared a look.

"Why? What's going on?" They both looked back at me.

"Negan threatened us while you were unconscious." What?

"That slimy bastard. I'm going to kick his ass," Rick grabbed my shoulders desperately, "you don't understand. He said if he ever came back and found you so tired that you were like when you left with him he'd make us regret it."

I understood the look on his face, I just wanted him to say it.

"So what are you saying, Rick?" I glanced at Daryl and he looked away.

I pulled away from Rick, "I get it. I'll go pack my things."

I walked between them and headed for the house I resided in. I made my way upstairs and started packing what I would need. I was grabbing something Carl has given me when I heard a knock on the door.

"Nyx," I turned to find Carl standing in the doorway, "what's up, buddy?"

"Are you leaving us, Nyx?" I sat on my bed and smiled at him.

"I'll be leaving, yes," he frowned at me, "why?"

"For Alexandria's safety, Carl. For your safety. Negan wasn't too happy about my treatment here. I'm leaving for the safety of the people here, even though I don't want to but it's for the best." I stood up and walked back over to him.

I patted Carl on the head and smiled at him.

"It will be okay, Carl. I will still be around just not inside the walls. I promise, Carl." I turned back to my bag throwing the last couple of items into it.

I zipped up my bag and put it on. I turned back to Carl and hugged him. When I pulled away I summoned a pendant and held it in front of Carl.

"Protect," a purple glow surrounded the pendant," this should protect you, Carl. It will keep you from harm, but if things really get bad hold it and call my name. It's imbued with my magic so I'll know the instant you need me."

He frowned, "this isn't fair. We've done nothing wrong."

I unclasped the chain and put it on him.

"You're right, but I don't want to risk everyone's safety. No one did anything wrong, sweet boy. I spread myself thin because I can't bear to lose anyone else. So even though I am not here I will never be far away, Carl." I leaned down and kissed his forehead.

I fought the tears that burned in my eyes, "I'll be around kiddo, I promise."

I turned away so he wouldn't see my eyes filled with unshed tears. As I walked down the stairs I wiped my tears away. I left my house and started walking to the front gate. People who saw me started whispering. When I reached the front gate I heard my name being called. I turned and saw Daryl coming towards me.

"Yer leaving for good?" I smiled at Daryl the best I could.

"Just because I'm leaving doesn't mean I'll be that far away. You know that because you're my family and I would do anything for you. For the people here in Alexandria because I will not be the reason the people I consider my family get threatened," I looked down at the ground, "I'll never be very far and if things get bad go to Carl. He has a way to contact me if I'm really needed. I'll be coming around once a month guaranteed. I need you to tell Rick something since he isn't here. You tell Rick that if Negan asks where I am to tell him I left because he threatened those I cared about if I was exhausted when he came back here. Then you make Rick tell him I left to protect my family who he threatened. You make sure that Rick tells everyone so that if Negan asks anyone, and I mean anyone everyone knows the real reason I left."

"I can do that. Are ya mad," I shook my head, "not at you or anyone here in Alexandria. You're my family, Daryl and I am not going to risk my family's safety. If Negan asks, you or Rick or anyone. I don't care who tells him, but he needs to know that I am not going to stay in a place where my family will actively be threatened. I won't stand by again while those I love are being threatened. You tell him that if anyone here in Alexandria is hurt or killed by his hands or the hands of his community I will become his greatest enemy."

I hugged him and hid my face in his shoulder. I could feel the tears slipping down my face and heard them hitting his leather vest. I bit my lip and pulled away.

"Nyx," I shook my head, "I'll be okay, Daryl."

He wasn't normally an affectionate person, but the next moment I was in his arms again. This time my face was against his chest and his face was hidden against my shoulder.

"I'll miss you, Nyx," I sobbed, "I'll miss you to, Daryl. I wish I could stay. I'll stay safe, okay."

He nodded his head against my shoulder. I pulled away and looked up at Daryl. I could see the tears in his eyes. I tried my best to smile and turned away. The gate was open and I started to walk through. I didn't look back until the gate started closing. Daryl looked angry and I smiled at him the best that I could. Once it was closed I walked over to the front gate. I placed my hand on the gate and created another sigil. I put as much of my power as I could into it and linked it to the others. The dome flashed a bright purple and I pulled away. I didn't want to leave, but I knew I had to. It was the only way to keep those I loved safe.