ZARA POV
"Oh, I apologize for startling you like that," the young man said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "We haven't had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Elliot." He offered a friendly smile, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
“Hey, I'm Zara, I just wanted to say thanks a bunch for saving me out there. I heard all about what you did, and I really appreciate it.”
"That was a joint effort," he said, his gaze sweeping across the cabin. "I gave Hero a radio, only to realize I'd given him the one with a dead battery. Luckily, I was able to get back quickly. Does your healer need anything? Mine's back, so she could lend a hand if needed.”
He hunched his shoulders and ducked his head, making a conscious effort to appear smaller and less imposing. He stopped a safe distance away, his han
