Chapter 21: Kiona’s Resolve
Kiona stood in her position as she looked at the being who was one of her own, a Fanged Lion of her Pride, who had probably once shared a meal with her, whose scent once felt like home.
She still couldn't believe how much had changed in just one month. So much taken, so many lost. But she had no choice now...she had to face reality, no matter how bitter.
As she stared at the lion, waiting for the opportunity her new master had spoken of, the memories leading up to this moment surged through her like a crashing wave.
Just one day ago, she was dying in an unknown, damp cave after failing to protect her Pride. She had lost all her brothers, all but the two youngest. Her heart still ached at the thought.
She had practically nothing left and was moments away from fading into the darkness as a failure.
A disgrace.
Something she feared far more than death itself. She never feared dying but dying like that? That was her nightmare.
It was then... he entered her life.
The humanoid being called Kael, her new master. When he had entered the cave, Kiona was already prepared to sacrifice the last flicker of life she had to save her brothers.
But the moment she saw him, she froze.
The humanoid being didn't smell like a normal human. His scent was strange, ancient, powerful. And his aura...it wasn't just strong, it was overwhelming. It filled every inch of the cave, pressing down on her soul like a mountain.