The judge paused, her gavel hovering in mid-air. Murmurs swept through the room like a rising tide. People exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to make of Thor’s sudden shift in demeanor. The bailiff, standing at the door, instinctively reached for his radio, eyes scanning for any sign of threat.

Sergeant Carter, feeling the familiar twinge of adrenaline, tried to calm Thor. But the dog was relentless, his ears perked, body tense, every muscle coiled like a spring. It was a stance Carter recognized well; it meant imminent danger.