The pup’s eyes flickered open, dull and lifeless. It was starving. Dying. A part of Daniel told him to walk away—this was nature’s course, a lesson in survival. But another part of him, something deep and instinctual, refused. He couldn’t let the poor creature die.
He crouched, extending a cautious hand. The pup didn’t move, didn’t fight. Its breath was shallow, its body cold to the touch. A decision settled in his chest—he couldn’t leave it here. He pulled it carefully into his arms, tucking it inside his jacket.