Web Novel
Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 33: The Silent Shield
Realizing she couldn't outrun the beast, Nancy stopped trying. She didn't retreat. Instead, she reached out her hand toward the wolfhound and cried out, "Help me!"
For a dog trained since birth, the command to save a human is etched into its very soul. These animals will sacrifice their own lives to ensure a human's safety.
Nancy was gambling that it would stop to save her.
"Help me!"
The wolfhound heard her plea. In an instant, its body reacted instinctively. Its momentum vanished as it skidded to a halt, pouncing on Nancy the moment it reached her.
But it wasn't an attack.
The wolfhound shielded Nancy with its own body, its four massive paws framing her on the floor. It pressed its furry head against the side of her neck, protecting the most vulnerable part of her body.
If this were a battlefield, the dog would be acting as a living shield, bracing to take a bullet or shrapnel for her. Its terrifying howls softened into a series of soothing, protective whimpers.
"Fine… Everything's fine now! Don't worry, I'll protect you."
Nancy’s eyes welled with tears.
She reached up and wrapped her arms tightly around the massive creature. This terrifying, powerful animal was suffering from deep mental trauma, yet its first instinct was still to protect a human being.
The dog was well-cared for; its fur was incredibly soft, making it feel like a giant plush toy that radiated a profound sense of security.
Nancy stroked the dog’s head, her voice thick with emotion. "Good boy. The air raid is over. We're safe now."
As a top-tier scholar who actually put her knowledge into practice, she had extensive experience in calming distressed animals. She began gently massaging the pressure points behind the wolfhound's ears, whispering close to its ear. "We are in a beautiful, peaceful place now. Look at the buildings—they’re grand and clean. We’ve left the battlefield far behind."
She felt the wolfhound’s rigid muscles begin to thaw. It lowered its head, using its large, velvety ear to brush away a tear from the corner of her eye. "Don't cry. We're safe together."
Startled, Nancy fought back a sob and continued her gentle coaxing. "That's right. We're safe."
"Everyone is just here for a party. There is no war here, only beauty."
"Listen... can you hear the music? It’s so happy—"
Language and melody are powerful signals for animals; they provide a sense of safety and relaxation. Nancy was just about to call out for the orchestra to play something soft and melodic when a voice cut her off.
"Quickly! Musicians, don't panic! Keep playing—something bright and gentle, now!"
Ginnie’s voice rang out right beside Nancy.
Nancy turned her head in surprise, only then realizing that Ginnie’s wheelchair had been moved right next to her at some point. The wolfhound's massive ears had blocked her line of sight.
Nancy looked at Ginnie with sudden suspicion. Everything she had whispered to the dog had been overheard.
Ginnie wore an expression of intense worry and concern. "Nancy, are you okay?"
"I was so scared for you. I don't know what Mom and Dad would have done if something happened to you..."
As Ginnie gave the order, the orchestra immediately transitioned into a graceful, soothing melody. The wolfhound finally calmed down completely. It rose slowly from its position over Nancy and sat obediently by her side, its tongue lolling out.
It was the picture of a well-behaved pet, unrecognizable from the monster of a few moments ago.
It was sitting in a "ready" stance; Nancy guessed it was waiting for its master.
The panicked guests began to settle, staring in awe at the now-docile creature. The room was soon filled with whispers of admiration.
"Good god, Ginnie changed the music and the dog just snapped out of it! She’s a miracle worker!"
"Didn't Nancy just scream for help? The true heiress moved in immediately to save her. That was incredibly brave."
"The Summers' real daughter is an angel. She’s stuck in a wheelchair because of that fraud, yet she still risked her life to save her."
"And Nancy hasn't even said thank you. Ginnie literally just saved her life, didn't she?"
People rushed forward to help Ginnie back into a more comfortable position, surrounding her like a queen. They fussed over her, checking for injuries and showering her with praise.
Nancy, meanwhile, was helped up by Jacob.
"Are you alright?"
Jacob had been separated by the crowd, but his eyes had never left Nancy. He was drenched in a cold sweat. He had been desperately praying that Nancy’s gift for animal communication would be enough to handle the beast.
Clearly, she hadn't let him down.
Nancy shook her head. "I'm fine. I know why the dog lost control."
Jacob was ecstatic. "I knew it! You’re my lucky charm!"
He paused, glancing over at Ginnie, who was currently basking in the crowd’s adoration. His brow furrowed in confusion as he looked back at Nancy. "Wait... it felt to me like the dog was already calm before that woman told the band to change the music."
"Ginnie eavesdropped on what I was saying to the dog."
Nancy’s gaze turned cold. "Changing the music was my idea."