The sanctuary felt different at night, quieter, almost hollow. The paths that bustled by day now echoed only with the soft hum of floodlights and the occasional chirp of crickets. The tiger enclosure, usually alive with restless movement, lay still under the pale wash of artificial light. Caleb and Lily stood behind the viewing glass with Ethan and two other keepers.
A vet waited nearby, tranquilizer rifle cradled in her hands, every movement precise, professional, and heavy with tension. Ethan checked his watch, then nodded to the team. “We’ll keep it quick. One dart, low dosage first. If she goes down clean, we move in. If not, we back off.” Lily pressed her hands to the glass, eyes wide.