Lily grabbed her notebook and hurried after her father. “What’s happening?” she asked, struggling to match his pace. “I don’t know,” he said, his brow creased. “Let’s find out.” The sound came again; low, rumbling, and unmistakably close. It sent a ripple of unease through the few visitors scattered along the path.
By the time they reached the tiger enclosure, several keepers were already gathered near the fence. Lily pressed against the railing, her breath catching. Shira was in the far corner, half-hidden by bamboo, her powerful body crouched low to the ground. Three other tigers stood opposite her, their tails flicking, their roars sharp and challenging.