While scavenging an abandoned house, a zombie lunged at me—I braced for death, but then, a bat smashed its skull. Stunned, I looked up. Helena. She stood there, cold and unflinching, her once-warm eyes now hardened.

"You're still alive... huh,"

she muttered, no trace of joy in her voice. I thought she was gone, lost to the outbreak. But here she was, fierce and changed, saving me without a hint of affection.