An Unannounced Inspection [1]

Sunday arrived, and just like usual, Adrian found himself walking through the familiar grounds of the Wild Heart Sanctuary. The sanctuary seemed peaceful, almost deceptively so, considering what he suspected was about to unfold.

Adrian's steps were unhurried as he made his way toward the main area, where Irithel was likely tending to the creatures. Today, he wasn't just here out of routine; he had a mission. The inspection they had all been dreading weeks ago, an event that had since faded from the forefront of everyone's mind, was likely to take place today. Adrian could feel it in the air—a tension that only someone as observant as him would notice.

He wasn't entirely sure what would happen, but he had prepared himself for various scenarios. After all, if there was one thing he'd learned, it was that being ready for the unexpected was half the battle.