The glass trembled under the force of it. Caleb instinctively pulled Lily close, shielding her. But Margaret didn’t move. “Easy! Easy, girl!” she said firmly, reaching for a bowl of meat a nearby keeper slid through the gate. “You’re okay. You’re okay.” She tossed a few pieces toward the tigress, rubbing her shoulder in calm, circular motions.
Shira’s breathing slowed, her body easing as she tore into the food. Within minutes, her eyelids drooped, the fight draining out of her. Ethan sprinted from the enclosure, something small cradled against his chest, a trembling bundle of red-brown fur streaked with dirt. Caleb blinked. “Is that—” “A fox,” Ethan said, his voice tight. “A kit. She’s been hiding it.”