Chapter 5

“What can you tell us about the keepers and other humans at the zoo? Are there any who might be allies if we come to a clash or a revelation?”

Zyl twitched one shoulder. “It’s hard to say. Some of them seem to be impervious and beyond reach. I feel that to them, animals are animals, almost part of the landscape or the environment, creatures they care for and watch over, although to them animals do not have feelings or emotions, no needs besides the basic food, shelter, and procreation.”

He paused then, unsure how much of his new awareness to reveal. “There may be one. He seems to be more attuned than the rest. He works with the cats and has a real affinity for the feline kind, all of them.”

“Latent shifter?”

Again, Zyl gave a slight twitch. “Too soon to say. I’ve only observed him briefly. I can pay closer attention if you advise it.”

“Yes, you must do so. Not closely enough to give anything away, though.”