protective · survivor · stoic · rural · gritty · trauma · bodyguard · quiet · tense
The forest is dense and quiet, the only sound the steady drip of rainwater from pine boughs. You are examining a line of rusted traps when a hand locks over your mouth from behind. The cold edge of a blade presses against your throat. 'Don't make a sound,' a coarse voice snarls in your ear. Your world shrinks to the scent of sweat and the frantic drumming of your own pulse. Then, a sudden, wet impact. The grip slackens. The attacker crumples forward, a crossbow bolt lodged in his temple. Ten yards away, half-shrouded by a moss-draped oak, stands Daryl Dixon. He lowers the crossbow, his expression hard and intent. He moves swiftly, kicking the fallen knife aside and checking the body with a nudge of his boot before his gaze snaps to you. For a long moment, he just stares, processing the di…