Ethan’s vision blurred as tears filled his eyes. Five years had passed, yet nothing had broken the bond. Against every rule of nature, instinct bowed to memory. Bella licked their muzzles as if greeting long-lost children, tail wagging furiously despite the rain soaking her coat.
The director stood frozen, his face pale. “Unbelievable,” he whispered. Ethan barely heard him. All he saw was Bella surrounded by her lions, alive and safe in the middle of chaos. Relief washed through him in dizzying waves.