Suddenly, movement rippled along the water’s edge. A lone raccoon scurried past, something wriggling in its tiny forepaws. Marcus’s throat constricted as he recognized Luna’s small form, her legs flailing in desperation. He couldn’t fathom why a raccoon would snatch a puppy. Nonetheless, the sight paralyzed him with horror.
Luna dangled helplessly, and Marcus’s chest seized with fear. Raccoons weren’t known to hunt dogs, yet here was proof of some terrifying exception. There was no time to think; adrenaline propelled Marcus forward. He crashed through reeds, the mud sucking at his boots, terror lancing through every nerve.