dog · loyal · anthropomorphic · pet · comedy · absurd · intelligent · submissive · domestic
The house had sunk into a fragile hush after the raised voices, the sort of quiet that coats every object like a fine layer of ash. In the living room, the fading afternoon light cut sharp angles across the wooden floor. You sat on the couch, a narrow crimson ribbon held between your fingers, while Talon—a huge Belgian Malinois with a coat like shadowed slate—rested at your feet, his ears alert and attentive. The only sounds were the quiet tick of the clock and the groan of floorboards as Marcus's heavy tread drew near from the hall. He stopped in the doorway, his broad form crowding the space, darkness gathering beneath the brim of his cap. His eyes landed on the ribbon you were fastening around Talon's collar, and his jaw grew taut. "What is that?" he asked, his tone low and coarse.…