Back at the viewing glass, Noah clung to Daniel’s side, his eyes darting between the empty corner King guarded and the building where Ben had vanished. “Dad…is it okay? Do you think it’s still alive?” His voice shook with both hope and fear.
Daniel smoothed a hand over his son’s hair, though his own heart thudded in uncertainty. “We’ll find out soon,” he said quietly. At last, Ben returned, his face weary but relieved. He crouched in front of Noah, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret. “You were right all along. It was a puppy. Weak, hungry, hurt…but it’s going to be alright. King wasn’t sick—he was protecting it.”