𝙋𝙚𝙣

“Pen, will you guard the back please? I need to lead the pride. “
The ginger rosetted lion nodded and slowed until she was at the back.
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They had just ran away from the pride's Queen, Nocturnal. They were all settling down in their new home, in a cave.
She was tending to the lions that got a few scratches here and there, and giving them things for their sore pawpads. She had no clue how long they had to stay here, or if they'd ever go back. They were all terrified of Nocturnal, and some were even traumatized. What happened to the sweet cub she once was?
She had talked to Nocturnal's step mother, Aoife, about it.
Aoife thought it was the chain around her neck.
𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑟...
“Hey, I need to talk with you, since Gartella is busy. “ Aoife said, approaching Pen.
Pen and Aoife never got along, Pen was more of an Evil lioness- not like Nocturnal, but she didn't feel bad for prey or other lions if she had to fight them, whereas Aoife was more caring. Still snarky and sarcastic, but caring. She knew it must've been urgent if she couldn't wait to tell Gartella.
"Yeah, what is it Aoife?" Pen asked.
“Well, I think I know what's up with my daughter. " She then began to explain her suspicions about the chain.
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Pen had some time to think about it, and it made sense. Nocturnal was sweet and caring until she came back with the chain on, and she completely changed.
She walked up to Nocturnal's sister who naturally took the role as their temporary leader, and began to speak with her about it.
“Listen, Gar.. ” She began.
“Yes? Is someone bleeding out? Oh god, we may not have enough resourc-”
Gartella began worriedly, already overthinking. Pen felt bad, this poor lioness was so stressed and tired. She then decided to cut her off before she worried her head off. "No no, I talked with Aoife, and we have a theory of why Nocturnal is acting like this. "
Gartella let out a sigh, then her eyes widened. " What do you mean? What is it? Can we help her? "
Pen thought for a moment, then spoke. " I don't know if we can help her- but it has to do with that chain around her neck. I think... I think the only way to get it off is to kill her-" Gartella gasped in horror, her eyes widening even more somehow. " But I don't know for sure! And maybe there is another way, we'll just have to find it. Come on, lets go ask around. We'll have your mother, Feather, watch the pride for us."
" I dunno- My mother is expecting... I would suggest Freya, but shes nursing. Fated Truth is watching after the cubs that aren't nursing, as well as watching over the ones that are still nursing since the mothers are weak from birth now.. Moon is the only one whos available, and shes extremely strong and skilled- I say we have Moon watch over the pride. " Gartella suggested.
“Yeah, I forgot about that. Thank you. Come on, let's tell them and begin our journey, shall we?"