Caleb rested a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Maybe she’s just tired. Even queens take naps.” But Lily shook her head. “She never just lies like that.”
He smiled faintly, trying to sound calm. “Come on, let’s walk a bit.” They wandered through the sanctuary—elephants tossing hay, penguins waddling in rows—but Lily’s silence said more than words.
Every distant roar made her turn back toward the tiger zone. When they finally returned, Shira was still in the same corner, unmoved.
Her head rested against her paws, eyes open and distant. “See?” Caleb said. “Still there.” Lily frowned. “That’s the problem.”
