The storm finally broke an hour later, leaving the world smelling of wet pine and cold earth. Back at St. Jude’s, the lobby was silent, the chaos of the chase replaced by a heavy, reverent hush. The girl’s mother, Claire, had arrived in a whirlwind of tears and disbelief. She sat on the edge of the hospital bed, clutching her daughter so tightly it seemed they were a single person.
Elena stood by the door, her scrubs stained with mud and rain, watching the reunion. She felt a heavy weight lean against her leg. She looked down to see Valorian—now officially identified as “Titan”—resting his head against her knee. “The detectives ran the full history,” Vance said, stepping up beside Elena.
“Douglas stole the dog from Claire two years ago just to hurt her. He thought he’d broken the animal’s spirit with fear. He didn’t realize he’d just given his daughter the only protector who could actually stop him.” Claire beckoned the dog over. Titan didn’t hesitate. He climbed onto the foot of the bed, curling his scarred body around the girl’s feet. The pit bull let out a long, contented sigh and finally closed his eyes. He wasn’t a weapon anymore. He was home.