Infrared captured what human eyes couldn’t: the lion gripping something in his teeth, its outline clear against the heat-sensitive backdrop. A small, black lump, writhing faintly as he carried it. Not just an object. Something alive.
The room fell silent. Even the hum of the equipment seemed distant. Noah clutched Daniel’s sleeve tighter, his voice a thin whisper. “Dad…what is that?” Daniel had no answer. Neither did anyone else. All they knew was that the king of the pride was guarding something—and whatever it was, it didn’t belong.