Margaret’s eyes glistened, but her voice stayed calm, directed at the lion. “You’ve done well, King. You’ve kept it safe. Let us help now.” Ben had been waiting, crouched just out of sight. Margaret gave him the slightest nod.
With King’s gaze fixed on her, Ben slid carefully along the enclosure’s edge, every step deliberate, the air thick with tension. One wrong move and it would all unravel. When he reached the corner, the small creature stirred again, letting out a faint, broken sound.