Later that Night
The iron gates of General Rajah's Estate swung open silently. The grounds were immaculate—sharp hedges, raked gravel paths, and statues of roaring tigers that looked almost alive in the moonlight.
General Rajah walked up the steps of the main manor, his boots clicking rhythmically on the marble. He was soaked to the bone, mud splattered on his pristine uniform, carrying a snoring cub over his shoulder.
The front door opened before he could touch the handle.
"Welcome home, General. You look... colorful."
Standing in the foyer was Barnaby, the head butler.
Barnaby was an elderly Elephant-kin. He was massive, standing nearly seven feet tall, with wrinkled grey skin and small, wise eyes hidden behind spectacles. His tuxedo was tailored perfectly to fit his immense frame, and his short tusks were polished to a shine. Despite his size, he moved with a gentle, deliberate grace.
