For a moment, I froze in horror. The only thought that crashed through my mind was, “He’s attacking her.” My veins turned to ice. My breath caught. Then instinct took over—I sprinted, every step fueled by terror.

By the time I reached them, my mind was ready for the worst—but what I saw stopped me in my tracks.

Rex was not attacking. He was blocking. His powerful body formed a barrier between Mila and the open sidewalk. Every time she tried to take a step forward, he sidestepped to stay in front of her, barking louder, sharper—directed not at her, but at the world beyond. His stance was firm, his eyes locked on something I couldn’t see yet.

“Rex! What are you doing?!” I shouted, my voice trembling.