Chapter 4: Blood and Gold
The dog dragged himself up.
His ribs were bruised. His breathing was shallow.
But his eyes burned with a fiery intensity.
As the intruder reached for the baby, the dog lunged again.
This time, he didn't go for the arm.
He went for the back of the man's knee.
His teeth sank deep into the joint.
The man screamed—a raw, agonizing sound.
His leg buckled completely.
He collapsed onto the floor, crashing heavily against the nightstand.
The lamp shattered.
Glass rained down.
The mother didn't freeze this time.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins.
She dove off the bed, sweeping the baby into her arms.
She backed into the corner of the room, clutching her child.
"Help!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. "Somebody help us!"
The man was on the floor, thrashing wildly.
He managed to kick the dog off his leg.
The dog hit the wall and slid down, panting heavily.
The intruder scrambled to his feet.
He was bleeding badly. Limping.
He knew the noise would attract the neighbors.
He looked at the mother, holding the baby.
He looked at the crowbar on the floor.
He took a step toward them, desperate and enraged.
But between the killer and the family, the dog stood up one last time.
He was swaying.
His beautiful golden fur was stained with crimson.
But he planted his paws directly over the crowbar.
He looked the man in the eyes.
And he let out a roar.
Not a bark. A deafening, terrifying roar of defiance.
Sirens suddenly wailed in the distance.
Getting closer.
Fast.
A neighbor had heard the screams.
The man hesitated.
He looked at the blood on his leg.
He looked at the fierce, unbroken spirit of the dog.
He realized he had lost.
Cursing loudly, the intruder turned and fled.
Stumbling out of the room, crashing down the stairs.
The front door slammed open.
He was gone.
The house fell silent again.
Except for the wailing of the sirens outside.
The mother collapsed onto her knees, sobbing violently.
She held her baby tight. Safe. Unharmed.
She looked up at the dog.
The golden retriever turned his head slowly.
He looked at the baby.
He wagged his tail.
Just once.
And then, his legs gave out.
He collapsed onto the glass-covered floor.
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His eyes closed.
His breathing stopped.
