Stay close, honey,” Emily called, but Lily was already taking small, deliberate steps toward the warning sign.
The air felt heavier as she approached. The other dogs had gone strangely quiet, as if even they understood that Shadow was different. Inside the kennel, the German Shepherd’s posture shifted. His head lowered, ears flattening, and a deep growl rose from his chest.
A volunteer named Janet noticed and froze mid-stride. “Sweetheart, don’t go near that one,” she urged. “He’s not safe.”
But Lily didn’t turn back. Her small shoes tapped softly on the concrete as she stopped right in front of the kennel door. She stood there, gripping her plush bunny, her eyes locked on his.
“Lily!” Emily’s voice broke sharply across the corridor. She rushed forward, her heart hammering. Mark was close behind. Every volunteer in sight seemed to hold their breath.
And then — it happened.
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