Her pulse pounded in her ears. She could call the rangers now but by the time they arrived, the poachers might be gone, and the leopard too. She moved toward the cage, her steps slow, deliberate. The smell of rust thickened in the air. The leopard’s eyes flickered open, meeting hers through the bars.
“I’m going to get you out,” she whispered, voice trembling. She dropped to her knees, searching for the latch. The lock was thick but old, the kind meant for intimidation more than security. Her fingers brushed the cold metal. If she could just pry it open, just enough for the door to swing free.