Lily hesitated, still staring at the orange-and-black figure crouched protectively in the corner. The other tigers had backed off, pacing restlessly, but Shira hadn’t moved an inch. Ethan gave a reassuring nod. “Your dad’s right. Let’s give her a little time. She’s tough, tougher than all of us.” Lily didn’t answer.
As Caleb guided her down the path, she glanced back over her shoulder. Shira’s head had lowered again, her massive body motionless, her roar fading into a deep, steady growl that sounded less like anger and more like a warning. They left the enclosure reluctantly, Lily glancing back over her shoulder every few steps. Shira still hadn’t moved.