Step by painstaking step, he slipped closer. The cub let out a pitiful whine, stirring him to move faster. Keeping low, he circled behind a half-toppled crate, checked that no one was watching, then darted forward. The metal cage loomed before him, every breath burning in his chest.
He crouched, fumbling with the lock, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cold. Each subtle click felt deafening. Then, at last, it yielded. Nolan eased the door open, hoping it wouldn’t squeal. But the cub, sensing freedom, burst out with reckless energy, toppling the door in a metallic crash.