Chapter 131

"Ahhh—" The sudden scare came out of nowhere, giving nobody any time to react. Claire and the others let out sharp screams and flung themselves backward. Who wouldn’t freak out? That massive dog looked like it could chew someone up for dinner! Even Brian, a tough guy from sports school, freaked out so much he nearly shoved his sister into the river. Luckily, Claire grabbed Olivia just in time. Spotting a crooked tree nearby, she yanked Olivia toward it and scrambled upward. Brian dragged Ella Nielsen down the riverbank to hide. Total chaos. "Guys, calm down!" Brandon yelled. He hadn’t even gotten a word in before everyone lost it. They were already in full panic mode, impossible to hold back. Claire saw Brandon still standing there while the huge dog was baring its teeth, ready to pounce. “Bran! Run!” she shouted, clutching the tree trunk, voice cracking with anxiety. "Don’t worry, Claire. It won’t bite me," Brandon said, half-laughing, half-exasperated. Turning to the snarling, barkin