Hello! This chapter is a bit short and not my best, but it's here! Normally I like to post the Kora chapters paired with the longer Skye ones, but I've begun working on a new fanfic for a different series over on AO3. If I ever get around to posting over there, I'll let y'all know!


When Kora woke up again, the doctor was already in the room and talking to a man that looked like a police officer.

"She was found in the alley with a gunshot wound.." the voice tapered off before starting up again, sounding slightly closer. "oh, hello Kora. sleep well?"

Kora still felt a bit groggy, so she just nodded slightly and made a muted sound of affirmation.

"Officer Thomson is here to ask you a few questions, if you're feeling up to it. Is that alright?" Her face was kind, but Kora could tell that she was expecting a yes.

better now than later, I guess. Kora nodded, even though her mind was begging her not to say anything. Not to admit anything. What if they arrest you as an accomplice? You let Nathan in. Its your fault she's dead.

"excellent. I'll be right here, and we can stop at any time, okay?" when Kora didn't respond, she prompted the police officer to begin.

"Okay, Kora. Do you remember what happened?" He moved one of the chairs to the end of her bed before sitting down.

"I got shot." She didn't care to elaborate. That is the truth, after all.

"Do you remember who shot you?"

She thought for a second. If I tell them who it was, Nathan will come after me. He might already, but he has what he wants. She gulped, her throat feeling dry and cottony as a side effect of the anesthesia.

"No," she shook her head, "I didn't get a good look at him. sorry." She looked down, feeling a bit guilty for lying to a police officer, but it was better than placing another target on her back.

"Are you sure, Kora? if you tell us, we'll be able to find them, and they won't be able to hurt you anymore." Kora thought in silence for a bit, feeling stress wrap its way around her heart. after a moment, the police officer gently added "we found your mother had been shot hours earlier, Kora. The bullet the doctor found in your side matched the gun that shot her, Kora. It would be really helpful if you could shed a bit of light, even if it may be scary."

Of course a police officer would be able to call your lie, idiot. She looked at the officer's face, noting the gentle expression that rested there.

"You promise you'll catch him?" she asked, her voice sounding achy from disuse. She felt weak, but she needed the assurance. They can't promise you anything. He'll get past them, a cynical voice insisted, but she needed to finally feel safe.

"We will do our best to make sure he gets placed behind bars and that you'll be safe." He nodded, but Kora noted the lack of a true promise in his statement. She knew she had to tell them now anyway, considering she had basically admitted to seeing him.

"He was my..." she took a breath, looking downward. "His name is Nathaniel Mallick. I let him into my house, because I had trusted him, but he just wanted something my mom owned. He killed her, and It's my fault." She felt tears pricking at her eyelids, but she tried to choke back her sobs in front of the others.

The police officer merely nodded, gave a quick thanks, then wrote a few things down on a sheet of paper before getting up from his chair.

The officer and Dr. Weaver talked in the corner of the room, quiet enough that Kora couldn't make out what they were saying. The officer said something and the doctor nodded before stating slightly louder "I'll call Maria."


Thank you for all the continued support! Reviews are great, whether they be general thoughts or critiques!