The gate creaked slightly as she pushed it open, and fifty sets of canine ears turned in her direction. There were a few whines. One or two dogs bowed to placate her, and a few of the braver ones sniffed in her direction. Kyra let out a slow breath and closed the gate behind her.

The animals were kept according to type. Closest to the fence were small hounds with floppy ears and friendly dispositions. These were kept in pens of five. The larger attack dogs lived farther back. Each of the bigger dogs was chained to its own doghouse, probably to prevent fights from breaking out.

Kyra made her way around the entire kennel, first hitting all the enclosures. A pinch in each bowl, James had said. The beagles were of two minds. Half cowered in the corner while the other half stayed close, showing her their bellies and whimpering. She mixed the powder into their bowls with no problem. After those, she moved on to the attack dogs. Most whined and backed away. One particularly large wolfhound growled when she came too close, but quieted when she shushed him.

After hitting all the water bowls, Kyra retreated into a corner, hugged her legs, and waited. The dogs remained restless for a while, but gradually returned to their business. Some lay down while others scampered amongst themselves. Gradually, they curled up on the ground, sinking into deep slumber. As more fell asleep, she returned to the ones still awake and commanded them to drink. Finally, the kennel was still except for a few beagles, who blinked sleepily. Kyra was sure they’d soon succumb as well.

“Good night,” she whispered as she made her way out.

She used the trek back as a chance to compose herself. Whatever her thoughts about James, she couldn’t afford to be distracted tonight. Still, when Kyra reached the meeting spot, she was glad for the darkness that obscured her face. James, Rand, Alex, and a fourth who must have been Shea waited for her outside the compound. Her heartbeat quickened when James met her eyes.

“The dogs are asleep,” she said.

“Good,” said James. His manner showed no hint of what had passed between them the day before, and she was grateful. “Let’s go.”

The four men pulled masks over their heads, and Kyra took the lead climbing back up the wall. Once at the top, she scanned the interior. No movement. She tugged lightly on the rope, and it stretched taut as the next person pulled himself up. She recognized Rand by a lock of red hair that had escaped his mask. Kyra made a mental note of each man’s clothing and build so she could identify them from a distance.