Chapter 42 The Hushed and Restless Floors

• Despite the slight from Colby, Harrison remained undeterred. He crouched down, speaking earnestly to the dog. "You're clever, and you hold your own when it counts. But the world out there is harsh right now. You'll need to grow stronger if you want to protect yourself—and the ones you care about."
• "Mhm, mhm," Nadia agreed, gently scratching the dog's head in an attempt to ease the tension. "Colby, you'll protect me, won't you?"
• Colby's gaze shifted back and forth between the two humans. He had grown fond of his current caretaker and the people on this floor, especially since they had just shared a bowl of warm pork soup with him. But what if he didn't get stronger? Would he be cast aside, left to face the cruel fate of the dog meat market? The thought lingered in his mind, nudging him toward a reluctant acceptance.