Wide establishing shot of ruined cityscape at dawn. Collapsed buildings, overturned vehicles, smoke rising in distance. The world has ended.

Supply run team on the move through debris-strewn streets. Zean carries visibly more gear than anyone else.

Chloe approaches Zean, trying to make conversation. He ignores her. Brandon watches with hidden amusement.

Flashback panel showing Zean's value — montage of him alone handling zombies, carrying supplies, cooking, building.

The ambush. Horde appears from nowhere. Panic erupts.

The bite. Zean moves faster than anyone expected, shoving Chloe aside and taking the hit.

Zean crushes the zombie skull with one hand. First glimpse of his hidden strength.

Team retreats. Zean fights his way back, wounded but unstoppable.

Back at base. Medical assessment. Zean's arm is getting worse.

Chloe takes charge. She retrieves the only antidote vial. Brandon starts complaining about a 'scratch.'

Tense standoff. Chloe holds the vial. Zean watches with cold understanding. Brandon hides behind her.

Zean makes his decision. He walks away. Chloe reaches out but can't speak.

Something is happening to Zean's body. The virus is mutating.

Zean realizes he's not turning. The virus is being destroyed by something in his body.

Back at base. The group returns without Zean. Chloe is silent, haunted.

Children notice Zean is missing. One asks the question everyone is avoiding.

Chloe can't answer. The group goes silent. Tension spreads.

Commander Logan arrives. He sees everything. His suspicion grows.

Logan asks the question. Chloe trembles. Brandon shifts.

Cut back to Zean in ruins. He rises. Something is awakening inside him.

Chloe breaks. She confesses what she did. Logan listens with controlled fury.

Logan turns on Brandon. The truth is exposed.

Final page. Logan lists what Zean did for them. The cost of losing him becomes real.