Shira was exactly where she’d been earlier, curled in the far corner, her stripes blending with shadow. Her breathing looked shallow, uneven. “Is she asleep?” Lily whispered. Ethan shook his head. “She’s waiting.” The vet steadied her aim, exhaled, and pulled the trigger. The dart cut through the air with a soft thwick—and missed. It hit the dirt just inches from Shira’s paw.
The reaction was instantaneous. Shira lunged upright with a roar so powerful it shook the viewing window. Dust exploded from the ground as she pivoted, eyes blazing in the light. Every keeper froze. “Back!” Ethan shouted. “Everyone back!” Shira paced in jagged movements, tail lashing, her breath heaving.