Sirens pierced the dawn. Police cars combed the outskirts, lights flashing between trees. Elise ran ahead, heart hammering, desperate to reach Shadow first. When she found him, he crouched over a fallen deer, muzzle red. He lifted his head, eyes softening only when he saw her, tail flicking nervously.
She dropped to her knees, whispering his name. Shadow padded closer, brushing against her shoulder, smearing blood across her coat. Behind her, voices shouted. Elise wiped his fur with trembling hands, trying to erase evidence. “Quiet,” she begged. Shadow obeyed, sinking into the shadows as footsteps pounded closer.