Chapter 12 - The Loyal Shadow
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When I spoke those words, Adrian physically flinched. The realization that every word, every threat, and every strike had been recorded finally shattered his remaining nerve.
His grip on my throat loosened for a fraction of a second.
That tiny, microscopic window of hesitation was all my loyal shadow needed.
Atlas lunged.
He didn't aim for Adrian’s throat or face—he wasn't an attack dog, he was a guide dog. But he possessed the fierce, unconditional loyalty of an animal defending its pack. Atlas launched his seventy-pound body directly into the back of Adrian’s knees, biting hard into the tailored fabric of his trousers and pulling with all his might.
Adrian shrieked, losing his balance completely. The gun was knocked sideways, discharging a deafening shot that shattered a stained-glass window across the room, showering Marissa in broken glass.
Simultaneously, the heavy library doors were kicked open.
Vance, my towering security chief, crossed the massive room in three massive strides. Before Adrian could even hit the floor, Vance’s boot connected squarely with my brother’s jaw.
Adrian hit the marble face-first with a sickening crunch. Within seconds, four tactical police officers swarmed his prone body, driving knees into his spine and violently wrenching his arms behind his back. The distinct, metallic click of handcuffs echoed through the room.
For the first time that entire night, knowing the threat was finally neutralized, I let my rigid posture collapse. I allowed myself to shake.
I dropped immediately to my hands and knees, crawling through the shattered glass until my hands found soft golden fur. Atlas was panting heavily, lying on his side.
I buried my face in his thick neck, wrapping my arms tightly around him as tears finally spilled hot down my cheeks.
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“You stayed,” I whispered into his fur, my voice cracking. “You good boy. You stayed.”
His tail gave one weak, rhythmic thump against the marble floor.
