*Third's Pov*

Jake: What the...?

He saw the torn apart leash covered in bite marks and liquid fluid near the gate of the motel. But the question had lingered in his head.

Jake: (Where the hell did the dog go?)

He walked over to the torn leash.

It was covered in salivary, glands, and ichor.

Jake: Did...Did the dog do this...? Did it want to get off the leash that badly...?

The eldest sibling was a bit concerned. Even though he wasn't a big fan of dogs...or any other animals in general. But he couldn't help but wonder what happened to the dog.

If it's off the leash, it could be anywhere. Judging the tracks it left behind. It haven't gotten far.

Jake: Oh well. At least there's so dog prints. Maybe it behind the motel. Jake went further down towards the fence that was now opened.

Jake: Did the innkeeper left the gate open? I could've swore it was closed when we got here. Plus, she claims the dog isn't hers. If that's true, then why was sitting outside of motel like it was familiarize with the place?

Jake shook his head. Not caring about anymore unanswered questions. He strolled on down past the gate and into the backyard.

He knows he should just go back to the room where his siblings reside in but he given himself the red light.

Jake: The little brats will be fine for another few minutes. I bet they barely noticed how much time has passed.

If he surely does find the dog, maybe ti won't be aggressive towards him anymore. This could be a chance to get him a new pet. Maybe a guard dog to help them out.

Some people had said that dogs consider their owners to be part of their pack and thus inherently feel the need to protect them in case of any threats. They also naturally get protective of things they consider theirs such as their house or shelter and resources such as food, toys, and dog beds.

Besides, Great Danes are good protectors. They are typically patient and gentle, they can be protective when they need to. A Great Dane's characteristics are what make the breed an excellent option for a family guard dog. Even the gentlest Great Dane can scare off people who may try to invade your home or harm you or your family.

So if Jake were to make peace with the dog. He could be useful and help them out on their situation.

Jake: That is if I do find the dog...

He checked around the back of the motel but still couldn't find the dog. He decided to hop over the gate and stopped near an mid alleyway. He sauntered inside the passageway but bring himself to a halt.

Jake: ?!!

To his surprise and horror, there was a red trail with small bits of fur leading down at the end of the back street.

Jake: The hell...? Is this...blood...?

Now wanting to find out the answer to this question, Jake continued down the ginnel now very worried about the dog.

THUNK.

Jake: ?!!

Jake felt his heart exploded in his chest. The noise was characteristic sound of something hitting the ground.

Almost something...body-like.

Jake: (W-What is that...? Please tell me it's the dog.)

Aganist his better judgement, curiosity killed the cat as some people say. Jake followed the noise all the way to a couple of trash bags. The smell of putridity hit his nose as his eyes scrunched.

Jake: (OOF. That's nasty...)

However... that's when he noticed the smell wasn't exactly coming from the trash bags...the smell was coming nearby...

The odor was way much worst...the bugs that used to be flying around the trash bags were now heading on over to the source of the smell.

Jake: (...Huh?)

*Rustle*

He flinched when a soft, muffled crackling sound like that made by the movement of dry leaves, paper, cloth, or similar material. But it sounds almost more like something was being dragged through the leaves.

Jake gotten a good glimpse but recoiled in silent fright to see a half familiar bloody body of a dog being hauled into the shadows by an unseen force. The only thing Jake was able to get out was a longish black arm pulling the remains inside.

Not wanting to stay anymore to find out what happened, Jake ran as fast as his legs could carry him all the way back to the motel.

However, a new question loitered in his head as he raced back to the inn in sweat from the savagery he just saw.

Jake: (WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!)