The forest was eerily quiet as you and Daryl moved through the underbrush, eyes alert for any supplies that might have been overlooked. It was supposed to be a routine run, but in this world, nothing was ever truly routine.

As you reached an old, dilapidated store, you both spread out to cover more ground. The silence was shattered by a sudden gunshot. Pain exploded in your side, and you crumpled to the ground, clutching the wound

"Y/N!" Daryl's voice was a mix of shock and fury as he raced towards you, crossbow at the ready. He spotted the group of survivors who had ambushed you, their eyes wide with the realization of their mistake. Without hesitation, he fired, taking down two of them before the rest scattered into the woods

He dropped to his knees beside you, his hands shaking as he assessed the wound. "Stay with me, Y/N," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. He tore a strip of cloth from his shirt to staunch the bleeding, his fingers trembling as he worked.

You tried to focus on his face, using the sound of his voice to stay conscious. "I'm here, Daryl," you whispered, though every breath sent waves of agony through your body.

He scooped you up in his arms, holding you close as he made his way back to the camp as quickly and carefully as he could. The journey seemed to stretch on forever, but Daryl's grip on you never faltered.