Raw

Epilogue

I laid in the warm sun, my belly swollen again with a cub. My third now. Naya had left to lead the hunt while I watched the collection of cubs, nine in total, with my Kylani as the oldest. She kept the younger ones in check, like the rising queen she was.

In the hut to my left, the female in heat let out cries of pleasure as Mhor relieved her. He intended to have her carry again this heat, so he wouldn't end it just yet.

My son, seeing his sister distracted with chasing some of the youngest cubs, began to sneak away. I kept an eye on him, knowing his tendency to find mischief. As he darted between two huts, I stood to follow. The other pregnant female noticed me move and repositioned herself to better watch the cubs in my absence.

I followed silently as my young cub chased a butterfly in the long grass, letting out little roars. I smiled to myself. He would grow into a spirited and proud lion one day.

He tumbled into a slight ditched, letting out a soft growl. I chuckled and trotted over. With his feet over his head, he blinked up at me as I gazed down.

"Mother," he said with irritation, "Why did you follow me?"

I reached down and plucked him up. "The hunt will be over soon. Are you hungry?"

"Am I big enough to eat with Father?" he asked, his eyes gleaming.

"Not quite," I said with a chuckle as we walked back toward the huts.

As we passed into the encampment, I froze when I noticed all the cubs had vanished. I clung to my son, backing up slightly as I sniffed the air. Male lion.

Mhor appeared at my side and snatched our son. "The other cubs are hidden in the bushes."

"Who has come?" I glanced around as I hurried to follow him.

To my surprise, he smiled at me. "You will see."

We stowed my cub with the others and the female, and Mhor led me back to our hut. Inside, Hektos greeted me with a tight embrace, catching me off guard.

"Oh, dear sister, look at you!" He ran his hand over my swollen abdomen. "How many have you bore for your Mhor?"

"Don't answer that."

My heart leapt at the sound of my father's voice. Stepping around Hektos, I met his gaze. He appeared just as he always had; strong, handsome, powerful, but upon seeing me, he bowed his head.

"My dear, beautiful Zora..." His voice caught as he hung his head.

Hektos hung his head as well, stepping back from me.

"What is it?" I asked, sensing something off.

"I have come here to inform you that you are now the sole queen of the region."

My breath hitched. Mhor's hand wrapped around my elbow.

"Mother...?"

Father's eyes filled with tears. "She passed peacefully, and very happy. My dear Flit..."

"No..." My knees gave out and Mhor caught me. "How?"

When Father could not answer, Hektos did it for him. "She seemed to have grown sickly. We aren't sure, but there didn't seem to be pain. Father has been devastated. But as soon as she passed, he handed the pride over to me."

"Oh..." I clung to Mhor, struggling to process.

"He will remain with us among the retired females," Hektos said, drawing a deep breath. "It is rare for a male to survive as long as he has."

I looked up at Mhor, knowing full well that males often lost their lives to younger males searching for a pride of their own. I hoped, and I would work to ensure, Mhor followed a similar fate to my father, to remain with his pride under the watchful eye of our son.