Chapter 126

Cecilia "AHHH!" A collective scream tore from our throats as we scrambled backward, completely unprepared for what happened next. And who wouldn't be terrified? That massive dog lunging toward us looked ready to maim if not kill! Even Levan, with all his athletic build and training, was so startled he nearly pushed Harper straight into the river. I grabbed her arm just in time, spotting a crooked tree nearby. Without thinking, I yanked Harper toward it. "CLIMB!" I shouted, already hauling myself up onto the lowest branch. Harper scrambled up behind me, while Levan and Nicole jumped down to the riverbank to hide. Complete chaos erupted in seconds. "Would everyone please calm down!" Tang called out, his voice steady amid our panic. But it was too late—we'd already scattered like frightened rabbits. I clung to the tree branch, watching in horror as the snarling dog approached Tang, who stood calmly in place. "Tang! RUN!" My voice cracked with panic. The beast was baring its teeth, ready t