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tw: sa mention. if you are uncomfortable with this topic PLEASE. do not read. your mental health is more important than this chapter.

                      𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

          𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐘'𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 was pounding furiously in her chest, a frantic rhythm that seemed to echo in her ears, drowning out everything else. She was tied into a sturdy chair, her arms and legs bound tightly, rendering her helpless. Each futile struggle only served to remind her of her predicament, and after while she finally gave up. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon her, and dread coiled in the pit of her stomach.

Merle leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a cruel smile stretching across his face as he studied her. "So, you're Officer Friendly's little girl, huh?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "When I saw him on the rooftop, I knew those eyes were familiar. You look just like him." He let out a laugh, the sound echoing in the small room, and Casey glared up at him.

He pushed off the wall and sauntered over, casually perching himself on the table in front of her. "You look like shit," she remarked. Merle only chuckled at her. He knew she was trying to be tough, but he found her spirit amusing.

"Alright, girlie," he said, his voice turning sinister as he leaned closer, the playful tone fading. "How 'bout you make everything easy for both of us? Just tell me where my baby brother is—" He leaned in closer, pressing the cold metal of his blade against her jawline, tracing it softly, taunting her. "—and tell me where your daddy is, your momma, your big brother."

Casey clenched her jaw, turning her head away from him, determined not to give him the satisfaction of a response. "No," she replied firmly, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins.

Merle let out a low, mocking laugh, the sound grating against her nerves. "No?" he repeated, amusement dancing in his eyes. She could feel his gaze boring into her, and she took a deep breath, trying to keep herself steady as he held the blade firmly to her jaw, pressing just enough to remind her of the danger she was in.

"Come on, little girl, why not? I ain't ever hurt ya." He leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her skin. As he traced her cheekbone with his flesh hand, Casey fought the urge to recoil. The touch felt invasive, and she resisted the instinct to pull away. "Maybe you sliced yourself trying to skin that squirrel, but that's 'bout it, ain't that right, honey?"

Finally, she broke the silence, meeting his gaze. "Where are Maggie and Glenn?" The words tumbled from her lips with urgency, desperation tinging her tone. He chuckled maniacally, his laughter echoing off the walls. "I want Maggie and Glenn!" she yelled, her voice rising, trying to maintain a sense of power.

"You tell me where my brother is, and I'll let you see 'em. How 'bout that, huh?" he shouted back, his voice booming in the small room, mixing with the madness that twisted his features.

She held his gaze, the silence stretching between them like a taut wire. "Come on, girlie. I ran outta patience with Glenn, and I don't wanna run outta patience with you..." His voice trailed off, growing darker, and the blade he held cut a shallow line across her jawline.

Casey winced as a trickle of blood dripped down her neck, warmth contrasting sharply with the coldness of the steel. Tears went into her eyes and she took a deep breath, sniffling.

Merle leaned closer, his face inches from hers, the manic gleam in his eyes unsettling. "You're a tough little thing, ain't ya?" he taunted. "But we'll see how long that lasts-"

As the threat loomed, Casey's resolve hardened. She was terrified, but she would not give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he rattled her. She would stay silent, no matter the cost, no matter the pain. In the darkest moments, she clung to the hope that Glenn and Maggie would find a way to save her, and that kept her spirit alive, even as Merle's laughter rang in her ears.