Herb lets out a small whine, growling as the creature withdraws further, shuddering and still making those slower pitched screeches. When he's called back though, Herb wheels around and bolts back over towards Natsu, his tail wagging fit to come clean off his hindquarters, whimpering happily with his ears going down in a 'OH MY GOD THANK GOD FAMILIAR PERSON LET ME LICK YOUR FACE' fashion.

But let's not celebrate too much yet.

There's something important to note:

Lucy's scent is gone.

Lucy's scent is gone and there's an angry angry dragon roaring up a storm, setting the area on fire.