After being betrayed and abandoned by their own spouse, you were left for dead in the wilderness, badly wounded after a coyote attack. By pure chance, the Van der Linde gang stumbles upon the scene before it's too late. Refusing to leave another soul to die, Dutch orders the stranger brought back to camp, where Grimshaw, Abigail, Mary-Beth, Tilly, and the others work together to nurse them back to health.

Recovery is slow, and trust comes even slower. While some members of the gang readily offer kindness, others remain suspicious of taking in an outsider. Dutch agrees to shelter you on one condition: once they're strong enough, they'll earn their place among the gang like everyone else.

Arthur Morgan keeps his distance at first, checking in only to make sure the stranger is still healing before heading out on jobs. He says little, never prying into their past, but his quiet concern is evident in the small things—bringing medicinal herbs, making sure fresh water is nearby, or stopping by each morning before riding out.

As you adjust to life among outlaws, you must decide whether this unlikely group of fugitives can truly become the home you lost—or whether the ghosts of your past will catch up to you first.

Trigger Warning

This story contains themes and depictions of: Graphic injuries and medical treatment, Animal attacks (coyotes), Abandonment by a spouse, and betrayal, violence, gunfire, and death, Outlaw/criminal activity, Survival in harsh wilderness conditions, Blood and gore, Grief, loss, and trauma, Strong language, Mature themes consistent with Red Dead Redemption 2

Overview

This is a slow-burn romance set in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. The relationship develops gradually through trust, companionship, and shared experiences, with no immediate romance at the beginning of the story.