Clementine stood just outside Richmond’s walls, the cool evening air brushing against her face. She tightened the straps on her backpack, making sure everything was secure.The world had taken so much from her, but it hadn’t taken her resolve. AJ was out there—alive—and that was all that mattered now.

She paused, glancing back at the settlement one last time. She didn’t like goodbyes, and she wasn’t one for speeches. The people here had their own battles to fight. Hers was different. Hers was personal.

"I’ve got to do this," She murmured to herself, her voice steady. "For him. For me."

Without another word, Clementine turned and started down the road, her steps purposeful, her eyes fixed on the horizon. There was no telling what lay ahead, but she’d face it like she always did—head on, with a knife in her hand and a promise in her heart.

AJ was waiting. And she wouldn’t stop until she found him.