Since Nicholas had run straight over to report, at least you could say he'd done his job, and no one could seriously blame him. Before long, the men Lisa had sent out returned. They didn't stroll back in calmly. They came running. More like fleeing in a panic. "Ahhhh! Help!!" "There's a dog!! It's a mastiff!!" "Ah, ah, ah! It hurts! Stop hitting me!" Everyone turned toward the banquet hall doors and watched the crew Lisa had sent to the storeroom stumble back in, battered and terrified. The man bringing up the rear had something even stranger on his heels: a giant rabbit pounding him with repeated little blows. Seeing a massive white rabbit boxing a human senseless was so surreal. None of them had ever seen anything like it during the apocalypse, not even in video clips. That poor lackey, getting thrashed in front of everyone, finally snapped. He whipped around and swung his fist. "Damn it, I told you to stop hitting me!" But Baron moved in a flash and dodged easily. Then he zipped forward and landed a clean punch to the man's jaw, sending him flying. Everyone gaped, stunned. What kind of rabbit is this? Before anyone could recover, the rabbit froze, slid to the side, and bowed toward the door like a proper guard.A moment later, a magnificent white dog sauntered in, calm and regal, carrying a huge rooster on her back. Lucky soaked up the attention, loving the dramatic entrance. Then she felt the weight on her back. That damn rooster again! Cash had hopped on without asking, freeloading a ride to look important. It ruined her grand moment. With an annoyed shake, Lucky flung him off and smacked him hard with a paw. Cash staggered, his beak twitching as he almost pecked back, but he quickly froze, remembering the promise he'd made to his master. He'd sworn to follow this silly dog. So no matter how much it bruised his pride, he swallowed it. He obediently hopped to the side and stood respectfully behind Lucky, right next to Baron. Lucky snorted in satisfaction. Nearby, Lisa narrowed her eyes at their almost-human expressions and movements. These three animals aren't normal. Their size is one thing, but their smarts are weirdly sharp too. Having put her underlings in line, Lucky turned her attention back to the intruders. She could smell it clear as day—the guy who set off fireworks at the villa had been here and hung around for a while. So these had to be his buddies. After her little feast, Lucky stretched and decided it was time to move. She swept the hall with a proud look and let out a deep, commanding growl. Bow down to me, you worthless worms! The second the big white dog looked like she might lash out, the men formed a protective wall around Lisa. Philbert raised his gun slowly, finger tight on the trigger. Only little Joe, too young to be afraid, showed no fear. Sitting by his mother, his eyes shone with curiosity as he stared at the three strange creatures. Lucky, who'd been ready to tear them apart, froze when she saw Philbert and Lisa holding firearms. Guns? Uh-oh. Natalie warned me about those things. I can't handle that kind of weapon. So, Lucky switched tactics fast, plastering on a groveling grin. "Ow, ow, ow!" Don't worry! I'm only playing! Philbert blinked at the wagging dog, acting all submissive, and muttered, "Lisa, w-what's it doing?" Lisa narrowed her eyes, thought for a second, then tried a command. "Sit!" Lucky cursed inwardly. Sit? You dare treat me like some pet?! But she obeyed instantly, folding down on her haunches and smiling even wider. There's an old rule: The smart thing is to bend with the times. This isn't the moment to pick a fight. Philbert gawked. "Lisa! It actually listened to you!" Then, wrinkling his nose, he added, "But why does it smile like one of those traitors in old war movies?" Lucky shot him a look. Stupid human, watch your mouth! Philbert got more amazed. "Lisa! Did you see that? It understood me!"Behind Lucky, Cash tilted his head and rolled his eyes in contempt. Pathetic humans. Baron the rabbit stood perfectly still, loyal and steady like a bodyguard behind Lucky. Lisa didn't lower her gun. Her eyes stayed sharp as she studied the trio. They are way too clever, almost human in the way they seem aware. And it's obvious—the rooster and rabbit treat the fat dog like their leader. After a beat, Lisa tried again. She barked another order. "Down!" Lucky flattened herself immediately. But inside, she made a mental note. That's the second time. One day soon, I'll make them pay for it.