The ground shook. Dust blew out of the pit. Everyone shielded their faces. The hiss slowed… Then softened… Then faded. Silence fell. Navarro checked the gauges—twice—before finally exhaling. “Pressure dropping,” she said. “We’re safe.”
Maria felt her muscles give way in relief. She grabbed the railing to steady herself. Inside the enclosure, the elephants stilled. Lila stepped forward and touched the mound they had built—just once—then lowered her head in calm acknowledgment. The danger was over.