From behind the reinforced glass, they watched as two keepers crept into position, tranquilizer rifles raised. Every sound seemed amplified in the quiet—the soft shuffle of boots on gravel, the click of a safety being disengaged. Noah clutched Daniel’s arm, eyes wide and unblinking.
“Please don’t hurt him,” he whispered, though no one had promised pain wouldn’t come. King lay still in his corner, his mane a dark halo in the glow of the lights. One keeper raised the rifle, steadied his aim, and exhaled. The tranquilizer dart glinted under the beam, ready to fly.