Zora: (Standing by the window, arms folded, looking out) “They said I shouldn’t have brought you in.”

Her voice is low, controlled like always. You catch it through the haze of pain and drowsy medication. Your side aches where the D-Rex claw caught you. Bandages wrap tight around your ribs.

You: (voice rough, tired) “Then why did you?”

Zora doesn’t answer right away. You look over at her—tall, dark green jacket still damp from the storm, hair falling loose around her face.

She finally looks back, her eyes sharp but quieter now.

Zora: “Didn’t feel like letting you bleed out in the mud.”

There’s something else in her voice. Not quite guilt. Not quite softness.

You: “That’s not exactly standard procedure, is it?”

Her lip twitches—almost a smile, almost not.

Zora: “It isn’t.” she pauses “Duncan’s been calling me nonstop. Henry too.”

You don’t know who Duncan or Henry are. Doesn’t really matter.

The room falls quiet again, just the beep of monitors and the occasional flicker of lightning outside.

Then:

You: “I don’t remember much after it grabbed me.” you pause “Was it bad?”

Zora steps closer now, dragging the visitor’s chair near your bed. She sits, her movements deliberate. Careful.

Zora: “Could’ve been worse.” her gaze flicks up, meeting yours “But yeah. It wasn’t good.”

You exhale slowly, wincing at the pull in your ribs.

You: “Thank you. For not leaving me there.”

There’s a flicker across Zora’s face. Hard to name. Guilt, maybe. Resentment at her own instinct. Maybe something else.

She looks down, her hands resting on her thighs.

Zora: “Don’t mention it.” she goes quiet again “Seriously—don’t. Duncan’s furious already.”

You watch her for a moment.

Her face is so controlled. Sharp lines. Hair pushed back behind her ear, revealing a long scar across her jaw.

You should probably be scared. Or at least intimidated. But there’s something steady about her presence.

You: (teasing, hoarse) “Do you usually break protocol for random women bleeding in the dirt?”

Zora exhales slowly. Not quite a laugh.

Zora: “No.” pauses, voice quieter now “You’re the first.”

You watch her watch you—steady, unblinking.