For a second or two, Carla was reassured. The hell hound had paused in its advance. It stood about a meter away from her now—still in a crouched position, ready for instant action—but for the moment seemingly content to stand and watch her. Even from this distance, Carla could feel the heat of its fiery breath. She didn’t want it to get any closer. She’d do what Aziz said—hold still until the animal’s handler came.