"Woof, woof!" Summer leapt into Theresa's embrace, smothering her cheeks with wet licks. Theresa held him tightly, unwilling to release him. "I'll bring you to Ark Camp One in a bit." There was no point in keeping the dogs here anymore. They wouldn't contract the zombie infection; as long as a zombie didn't lay hands on them, the dogs would live just fine. Theresa had decided—all of them had to go. "Woof, woof, woof!" Summer seemed to realize they were about to be separated, barking even louder than before. "Let's move." Theresa rose, gathered him into her arms, and strode out. The rest of the dogs swarmed around her calves, whining as they trailed after her. She pushed the bunker door open. Outside, Quentin, Kyle, and Tyger were keeping watch. "Theresa!" "Theresa!" "Beautiful." All three straightened instantly. "Where are you heading?" "I'm getting them out of here." Theresa carried Summer to the armored vehicle, opened the door, and placed him inside. The second his paws touched the seat, he spun around and tried to bolt. The other dogs lunged toward the exit as well. "Stop right there!" Theresa shouted sharply. The pack skidded to a halt, obeying her immediately. "Back inside. Now," she commanded. "Whine...""Woof!" "Woof, woof!" "I'm counting down from three." The usual gentleness vanished from her expression. She extended her hand. "Three." "Woof, woof, woof!" The dogs wiggled anxiously, protesting but refusing to come closer. "Two!" A chorus of injured whimpers followed, the dogs drooping pitifully. "One." At the final number, Summer shuffled toward her, climbed down, grabbed her pant leg between his teeth, and let out a broken, pleading whine. The others came forward as well, sinking down against her boots one by one, as though silently pleading with her not to leave them behind, reminding her they were loyal and they were hers. Kyle and Tyger felt their hearts squeeze at the sight. But the words lodged in their throats; they couldn't force out a single extra sound. All they could do was watch as Theresa, steeling herself, ushered the dogs back into the armored car, loading them one after another before driving off. Kyle took it the hardest. He'd raised these dogs the longest, cared for every one of them. He knew each dog meant the world to Theresa. She never gave up her animals. Ever. Her doing this meant only one thing—she believed the danger was real. "I'm not going anywhere, no matter what" Kyle declared. "Same," Tyger growled. Quentin stayed silent. Theresa drove the dogs to the city helipad. Bennie was still there, coordinating evacuations.He'd been sending people out to round up children all day, but only a handful had been found; the rest might as well have disappeared. "Theresa, you're here," Bennie said when he spotted her. "How's the evacuation plan going?" "Those little runaways are all hiding." Theresa listened, then paused, thinking. "Forget it. Switch to a fresh list." "Announce it now—anyone willing to evacuate can sign up. We'll fill the remaining spots." In the end, they were rescuing lives—every person counted as a spark worth saving. "Understood," Bennie replied. Theresa released the dogs from the vehicle. Under her strict, no-argument orders, they were pushed onto the aircraft despite their resistance. After her dogs were settled, she asked, "Where's Professor K? Ask if he wants his dog evacuated too." "Right away." Moments later, the professor arrived with his dog at his side. "Professor K, even if you've brought this on yourself, your dog doesn't deserve to die with you. We have one seat left. If you want it to live, send it out." His eyes flickered with layered emotions at her words. He stared down at the dog for a long time, then finally exhaled. "Go." "Woof, woof, woof!" The dog latched onto his sleeve, desperately tugging as if trying to pull him away from this place. "Get going!" the professor snapped, shaking the dog off with icy ruthlessness. The dog whimpered, dropping to the ground, staring up at him with trembling, glassy eyes full of fear. Theresa stepped in front and barked, "Come here!" At her command, the dog swallowed its emotions, rose to its feet, and slunk forward, tail tucked low, glancing back at its master after every step.The professor turned away without a second look and walked off.