Elara stumbled back two steps. The reflex saved her from being knocked flat.She steadied herself and looked up. At some point, the Miller household had acquired a black bulldog. It stood in front of the gate in a full threat display, teeth bared and eyes burning with aggression.Elara had been terrified of dogs ever since she was a child. Once, while playing with friends, she had accidentally stepped on a dog's tail. The animal had not forgiven the mistake. It spun around and bit her on the knee before she could get away. Even now, she could still see the scar whenever she lifted the hem of her skirt.The bulldog blocked the gate, leaving her no way to get past it. She called out to the two figures working in the courtyard, "Mr. and Mrs. Miller!"Neither of them turned around.She called again and again. At that distance, there was no way they hadn't heard her.Helena continued scattering seeds along the row. "Old man, is this right? We're going too far, aren't we? She stayed wi
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