Her tears soaked the grass as she screamed soundlessly, [Kevin, you'll regret this! That dog—you rescued it yourself!]
He sat there like a merciless god of judgment, unmoved.
"Six."
"Five."
The drone rose to a hundred meters.
"Four."
Snap! One of the ropes snapped.
"Three."
Another rope snapped. The little body swung violently in the air. Venice's world shattered.
She dropped to her knees, sobbing, signing desperately, [Please! I'm begging you! Let him go!]
"Two."
The final rope gave way—the dog fell several meters before landing in a suspended net beneath the drone.
Kevin lifted the remote control. One button—one command—and the net would release.
Venice's voiceless cry tore through her throat, [Fine! I'll stay! I'll stay with you! Just let him go!]
Only then did Kevin nod. He ordered his men to lower the drone and handed the trembling animal back to her.
Venice clutched her dog tightly, her sobs shaking her entire frame.
Kevin pulled out a tissue, brushed aside her messy hair, and wiped her tears with practiced gentleness.