With a grim gaze, Joel pushed open the door to the next room and took a quick look around the corner before indicating with a hand signal that the coast was clear.

Without being careful, you pushed past him, looked up at the ceiling, and pressed your index finger to your lips.

"We have to be quiet.", you whispered to the three of them.

Joel's eyes followed your gaze.

"You hear it too?", he asked, drawing his pistol.

You nodded.

Confused, Ellie and Dina frowned, trying to understand what you two were talking about.

"What's going on?", Ellie tugged at his sleeve, worried.

The other hand tightened its grip on the shotgun. As she moved, her tattooed arm twisted in such a way that something suddenly caught your attention. There were scars on her arm. You had seen something like that before.

It reminded your of dark times.

"Above us are footsteps.", gently Joel pushed her further along the corridor to follow you to the stairs that led to the upper floor. "Be quiet and try to stay hidden. It's not Tommy."

"How do you know?", Dina let her gaze jump between you and Joel.

"It's a group.", you said, checking one more time how much ammo was left in your revolver. "They are armed and probably well equipped."

"You can hear that?", Ellie frowned skeptically.

You nodded.

"The steps are heavy. Very heavy. Probably men. We'll split upstairs, you go to the left and I'll take the right rooms. Try to stay out of their way."

"And if there are any problems, we'll take them out one at a time.", Joel added.

Without any prostest, Dina and Ellie nodded. But Dina seemed to have one more question on her mind.

"Why are we separating upstairs?", she asked, looking you straight in the eye.

Something sparkled in the brown of her eyes.

Distrust.

Slightly annoyed, you shook your head and let out a deep breath. You had no desire to make friends with her, but with time it became exhausting to tell her again and again that you were not an enemy.

She began to get on your nerves, and when that happened, your patience wore thin.

"Dina.", the way you pronounced her name was a warning. "I'll mind my own business. Stay out of it."

"I'm just being careful."

"Then be careful. But not strenuous. My kindness has its limits. When I meet Tommy, I'll send him to you. But I will not kiss your feet or reveal all my secrets to you. I am a helper, not a friend. Know the difference."

Even though your words were cold, Joel couldn't blame you for the way you chose them. He also didn't trust you any more than Dina did, but unlike her, he knew how to take advantage of chance encounters.

He reckoned that you could fall down their skirts, but as long as there was no evidence of that, your support came in handy.

"Dina.", he put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. "We don't need to make enemies. Be suspicious, but not hostile."

You nodded in agreement. A grin appeared on your lips for a moment, appreciating him being uncomplicated, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"Joel.", you held out your knife to him. "Let's switch knives."

For a moment he stared at the folded blade. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out his own knife.

But before he put it in your hand, he raised it to eye level.

"If something happened to Tommy, then kill the person responsible with this.", it wasn't a request. "In my name."

You stared at him.

"If you insist.", you traded your knife for his. "But it would be better for all of us if I find your brother alive."

"Preferably unharmed.", Ellie added. "Tell him we'll wait for him at the main entrance. He knows where it is."

With a nod you accepted the information and jumped up the first steps of the stairs when you were sure the steps were far enough away. But before you entered the upper floor you took a quick look over your shoulder.

"And Joel...", your gaze locked with his. "Do me a favor and keep your hands off Abby, no matter what. She'll only bring you bad luck."

With his lips pressed together, he shook his head.

"I'll do what I have to do.", he said. "And if she was up to it, I might not be able to keep our bargain."

Amused, you laughed and shook your head.

"You don't understand. It's not a request, it's a warning. She is not a woman who can be easily disposed of. Besides... I would keep Ellie away from her. As far as possible."

Confused, he frowns, but you don't read him time to ask more questions.

With silent steps you disappeared and made your way to the upper floor without being seen and disappeared on the right side of the house.

Hesitating, the other three were left behind. With their heads lowered and eyebrows knitted together, Ellie and Joel exchanged a gaze.

"What was that supposed to mean?", Ellie asked, rubbing the spot on her arm that was scarred. "You think it was visible?"

Quickly, he shook his head.

"I don't think so. Plus, nobody knows about your...", he glanced over to Dina. "Your ability. Nobody would guess what you are capable of. Not by looking at the tattoo."

Confused, Dina frowned.

"What are you talking about?", she asked. "You mean her immunity?"

Joel's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"You told her?", he asked Ellie.

She nodded.

"I'd say my girlfriend is allowed to know."

He sighed.

"Fine. But keep it to yourself, Dina. Nobody needs to know."

"And our new friend?", Dina asked in a sarcastic manner.

"It's hard to figure out the scars are bite marks. It's dark in here and the ink covers it well. And nobody's first thought would be about immunity. Maybe that Ellie turns into a zombie soon, but not that she's immune."

Pressing her lips together, Dina nodded.

"Let's hope you're right.", she whispered. "Let's find Tommy and get out of here. I have a bad feeling about this place."