NIGHTMARES OF THE WALKING DEAD

The RV interior is a claustrophobic cage of stained upholstery and flickering LEDs. The vehicle hits a pothole, sending a jolt through the metal frame that rattles the empty ammo crates. Dust motes dance in the harsh light as the engine roars, vibrating the floor beneath Seth.

Seth spots a side door handle that isn't fully latched. With a violent swerve of the RV, the latch clicks open just a fraction.

The RV door swings wide, and the momentum of the moving vehicle launches Seth onto the asphalt. He tumbles, rolling through the grit just as Negan tosses a gleaming machete into the dust beside him. A rotting hand snaps toward Seth’s throat, but he pivots, driving the blade deep into the walker’s skull with a sickening crunch. The creature collapses instantly, a twitching heap of gore.

More of them swarm, their guttural moans rising in volume. Recognizing the futility of a stand on the road, Seth lunges for the rusted metal ladder bolted to the RV’s side. He hauls himself upward, boots slipping on the metal as dozens of clawing hands rake at the air just inches beneath his heels. He scrambles onto the corrugated roof, chest heaving, the steel vibrating under the frantic pounding of the dead below.

Seth wipes a smear of dark, metallic blood from his brow, his fingers tracing the jagged scar. His breathing remains steady despite the rhythmic, jarring thud of the RV swaying over uneven terrain. He ignores the taunting voice emanating from the cab, his focus shifting to the exposed fuel line running along the roof’s edge. A calculated plan takes shape in his mind.

Seth crawls forward, his movements precise and silent despite the wind whipping his beanie. He reaches for his belt, his hand closing around a jagged piece of scrap metal he salvaged earlier.

The RV rolls to a shuddering halt in the middle of a barren intersection. Negan kicks the door open, his boots hitting the pavement with a heavy thud. He moves with a predatory swiftness, catching Seth before he can scramble off the roof. A sharp blow to the ribs sends Seth sprawling onto the interior floor, his breath hitching. Negan stands over him, gloating as he retrieves his own blade from his belt.

The engines of the convoy roar to life, drowning out the distant, haunting moans of the herd. Negan drags Seth toward the blood-stained clearing where his friends are knelt in the dirt, hands bound. With a final, mocking sneer, he shoves Seth forward, sending him skidding face-first into the cold, hard-packed earth at his comrades' feet.

The Saviours' vehicles tear away in a spray of gravel and dust, leaving the group in a suffocating, heavy silence. Seth pushes himself up, his muscles screaming in protest, watching the taillights vanish into the gloom.