Angel couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and dread as he embarked on the second tour of the Sanctuary. This part was more technical, delving into the science behind the recreation of prehistoric DNA and the resurrection of extinct species. Little people knew the full process behind it, so they would be the first civilians to know. As they moved through the sterile, white corridors, Dr. Lovington explained the intricate process, showing them a series of labs filled with state-of-the-art equipment.

"Here," Dr. Lovington gestured to a large, cylindrical tank filled with a glowing blue liquid, "is where we incubate the eggs created from extracted DNA. It's a delicate process—matching the right DNA with the right host egg, ensuring proper growth and development. Not every attempt is successful, but when it is…" He smiled, almost reverently, "it's like bringing history back to life."

Angel watched as a scientist carefully adjusted a control panel, and the liquid inside the tank swirled, revealing a faint outline of something within—a new life, slowly taking shape. Why do they always mess with shit? He thought, remembering his grandfather's words. His mind drifted to Shadow and Kira, and he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that came with this kind of power. It was awe-inspiring, yes, but also terrifying.

After the tour, Angel was led to Kira's enclosure. Professor Gover explained to him that he had never seen their species have such a connection with mankind before and wanted to study her reactions to him, assuring him he would be safe. The memory of the battle with the pterodactyl was still fresh in his mind, and he was drawn to Kira, feeling a strange connection to her, so he agreed. The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and he stepped inside.

"Five minutes," Gover reminded as he walked inside.

Kira lay in her nest wrapped in bandages, her large, dark eyes half-closed, but they snapped open as soon as she sensed him. There was a tense moment where Angel wasn't sure if she'd let him get close. But then, to his surprise, she relaxed, her gaze softening as she recognized him.

"Hey, girl," Angel whispered, inching closer. "I just wanted to check on you… see how you doin'."

Kira's eyes followed his every move, and Angel could feel his heart pounding in his chest. This was the closest he'd ever been to her, and he didn't know what to expect. She stood slowly and approached him with a limp stopping just short of him. Her eyes fixed on him, looking him over. He didn't know what came over him, but slowly, he reached out a hand, his fingers trembling slightly as he watched her reaction carefully. Staff members jumped up, but Gover silently raised his hand in a gesture as if to say give him a minute as he watched intensely. When his hand made contact with her sleek, scaly, slightly furry skin, he felt a thrill of happiness shoot through him. She was letting him touch her. He stared at her as she closed her eyes, taking in his touch. He smiled in shock.

For a moment, everything else faded away. The cold, clinical feel of the labs, the unnerving power of resurrecting long-dead creatures—it all disappeared as he felt the warmth of Kira's skin beneath his hand. It was a simple touch, but it meant everything.

Kira's eyes locked onto his, and for the first time, Angel felt like she was truly seeing him. There was a depth in her gaze, a silent understanding that passed between them. He felt a surge of happiness, a connection he hadn't expected.

But then Kira suddenly lifted her head, looking past him, toward the door. She made a soft, rumbling sound, her body tensing as if she were trying to communicate something. Angel frowned, his hand dropping to his side.

"What is it, girl?" he asked, turning to follow her gaze. The room was quiet, too quiet. A noise echoed faintly from outside, a muffled thud followed by a groan. Suddenly, Kira went on a rampage. Angel backed away, confused at the sudden change in emotion. As the staff reacted, she nudged him with her nose as if telling him to investigate. She wasn't rampaging. She was causing a distraction. Awed by her intelligence, Angel quickly made his exit acting as if he were in a panic. Angel's senses went on high alert, his pulse racing as he followed the sound. It led him to a slightly ajar lab door. He trembled, not knowing what to expect. Peering inside, he saw a scientist slump on the floor, beaten badly. Angel's blood ran cold, and he was about to rush in when he heard a soft rustle behind him.

He turned sharply, and there, he stood face to face with a girl around his age holding a metal bar. Her long white hair flowed down her back, a flower circle resting on her head. She was dressed in what looked like native clothing, and there was something about her—something otherworldly, almost… prehistoric. His eyes wandered as he took in her whole look. She has markings on her pale body and a glisten that is familiar. Her arms had light hues of blue, purple, and pink glow to them, almost as if she had dragon scales.

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She locked eyes with him, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Her expression was uncertain, hesitant as if she wasn't sure whether to trust him. Angel could see the fear in her eyes, but also the determination. She looked like she could defend herself, yet something held her back.

As Angel took a cautious step forward, realization dawned on him. This girl wasn't just unusual—she was from another time, another world. The way she carried herself, the way she dressed, even the way she watched him with a mix of wariness and curiosity—it all pointed to one thing. She was prehistoric as well, and not only that, a hybrid. How could they do this to a human being? Why were they keeping her locked up here like a slave or prisoner? This was barbaric.

The girl took a step back, her gaze flicking to the door as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway. Panic flashed across her face, and she looked at Angel, pleading with her eyes for him to help.

Without a second thought, Angel grabbed a lab coat from a nearby hook and quickly threw it over her shoulders. "Come on," he whispered urgently, "let's get the hell outta here."

She hesitated for a split second, then nodded, trusting him. They moved quickly, Angel leading the way back to his quarters. He could hear the backup arriving behind them as they walked, searching for something—or someone as they left. But they made it back undetected.

Once inside, Angel rushed her into his room, closing the door.

" Stay right here aight, do you understand?" She nodded.

He quickly opened the door, looked around, and then ran into Selena's room. Angel rummaged through Selena's things, finding some comfortable clothes for the girl to change into. He picked out a pair of white pajamas and grabbed a pair ofHoysee shoes before heading back. He made sure he fastened and locked the doors before turning to her.

"Here." He held out the clothes.

She took the clothes, her fingers brushing against his as she did. For a moment, they both froze, the contact sparking something unspoken between them. She quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushing slightly as she turned away to change. Angel respected her privacy, looking away as she dressed.

"Where are you from? I mean, what was it like?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Far," she replied, her voice soft but clear. "I… don't know how I got here. Everything is strange. Everyone is… different."

Angel could hear the fear in her voice, the uncertainty.

"Yeah I get that," he said, turning back to face her as her movements quieted. She had finished changing, the pajamas fitting her surprisingly well, though it still couldn't hide her otherworldly aura.

" What were, I mean why did you hurt those people in the lab?" He suddenly asked, and concern filling his face as well as curiosity. She fell silent for just a moment as if she were wondering what he might think of her answer.

" They kept hurting me," She held out her arms and then lifted her shirt, showing bruises, cuts, and marks from needles and shots. " I just wanted to make it stop, I wanted to be free. I just want to go home"

Angel reflected to his days locked up. He had felt the same feeling.He evenn endured some bruises and scars from fights and police handling. The longing to be back home with his family was unbearable. He understood her perfectly. He suddenly felt the need to protect her. He wanted to help her. But the fact of her going home to what she remembered, the thought seemed impossible as it is now only a memory. They may bring extinct things back, but not original places, people, and memories.

"I'll help you."

She looked at him then, really looked at him, and for the first time, he saw something more than fear in her eyes—he saw gratitude and relief."I… thank you," she said, her words halting but sincere. "I am…" grateful."

"What's yo' name? You got one?" he asked gently. "I'm Angel."

"Aria," she replied, her accent soft, almost melodic. He stared at her still. It was a pretty name.

" You stayin' with me from now own aight. But you gotta do exactly what I tell you to do you understand?"

Aria agreed, and as they sat in the dim light of the room, Angel couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for her. He had no idea what they were up against, but one thing was certain—he wouldn't let anything else happen to her.