Downstairs, Max ran. His claws struck the wood sharply as he launched himself toward the steps. Sarah turned at the sound, confused. “Max?” she called, but before she could take a step, she heard Liam cry out.
Daniel jumped up immediately. “That was Liam,” he said, his voice tight with sudden fear. Max reached the staircase just as Liam’s body tipped forward into open air. Without slowing down, Max leaped upward, twisting his body to place himself between the baby and the hard wooden steps.
Liam fell onto Max instead of the staircase, the force driving Max down against the wood with a painful thud that echoed through the house.
Max let out a sharp yelp, but he did not move away. Sarah screamed and ran forward, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She dropped to her knees and lifted Liam into her arms, her hands shaking as she searched for injuries. “Liam, Liam, it’s okay,” she whispered, her voice breaking as he cried loudly against her shoulder.
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