THIRD POV

It took a moment for Zira to realize she was being carried. Then, she looked up and saw James, who noticed she was awake. 

“You...you rejected me,” Zira said softly, and it tugged at James’s heart.  

“James would not reject you, Zi. I can tell he loves you,” James said to her.  

Zira looked at him, confused. “You’ve never called me Zi before, and why are you speaking in the third person?” 

“I’ll explain when I get you as far away from here as possible,” James said as he proceeded down the long hallway. They descended a few hallways before Zira squirmed out of James’ hold. 

“No,” Zira...