Not at the teeth. Not at the rigid posture. But at the deep, raw pain hidden behind his gaze.

Her voice was so soft that only her mother and the nearest volunteer could hear. “Hi, Ranger,” she whispered.

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.

And then… something changed.

Ranger’s growl faltered. His ears twitched forward. His eyes, still wary, seemed to search her face. Slowly—so slowly it almost looked like hesitation—he took a step back from the bars.

Lily leaned forward just slightly. “It’s okay,” she murmured. “I’m not here to hurt you.”