The morning arrived with tension so thick it clung to the air. Staff stood ready with tranquilizer guns, restraints, and cages. Zachary hated every piece of equipment. Daisy barked in confusion when they led her away, straining at the leash. The cubs roared, slamming against the bars, desperate to follow.
Zachary forced himself to walk beside Daisy, heart cracking with each step. He couldn’t look back at the cubs’ wild eyes, couldn’t bear their cries. Daisy pressed close, trembling but obedient. He whispered encouragement, voice breaking. And when the final barrier clanged shut between them, it sounded like betrayal made of steel.