The tiny creature gave a weak, raspy cry. Its paws twitched, its fur matted and thin. “Get her to the vet, now!” Margaret barked. Two assistants rushed forward, guiding Ethan toward the clinic as Margaret closed the gate behind them. Shira had already curled back into her corner, her massive frame sinking into the straw.
Her eyes fluttered once before she drifted into exhausted sleep. Lily pressed a hand to the glass, her voice trembling. “She was protecting it.” Caleb looked at her, and for once, didn’t correct her. The vet clinic lights burned long into the evening.