|
In the dappled light of the afternoon, you catch sight of a lioness lounging near the shade of a tall acacia tree. At first glance, her deep chocolate brown coat blends beautifully with the earthy tones around her, but as you approach, the subtleties of her appearance become clear. The undersides of her body shimmer faintly with white dusting, like a soft mist clinging to the base of a mountain. Her striking blue eyes seem to pierce through the air between you, their color made all the more vivid by the unusual ring of pink surrounding her pupils.
The lioness notices you right away, her ears swiveling toward you as her tail flicks lazily behind her. Though her posture appears relaxed, there’s something guarded in the way she lifts her chin and watches your approach with a sharp, assessing gaze. Finally, she straightens herself up, standing tall and proud, and speaks with a voice as firm as her demeanor.
“I’m Novara,” she says, her tone as strong and unyielding as the stone her name evokes. “I assume you’ve been introduced to the others, but don’t expect me to make this easy for you. Respect is earned, not given freely.” Her blue eyes narrow slightly, but there’s no malice in her words—just a deep sense of conviction.
She steps closer, her movements deliberate and self-assured. “I’ve worked hard to find my place here, and I don’t intend to let anyone undermine that. If you’re here to learn about the pride, then let me make one thing clear: loyalty is everything. We stand together, or we fall apart. That’s how it works.”
Her stubbornness is palpable, but there’s a flicker of warmth in her expression that hints at a softer side, well-guarded but present nonetheless. “Don’t mistake my resolve for hostility,” she adds after a moment. “I’m not one to push away those who’ve earned my trust. But if you cross me—or anyone in this pride—don’t expect me to forgive so easily.”
Novara’s unyielding spirit is evident in every word and movement. Though she carries herself with a fierce independence, it’s clear that her stubbornness is rooted in a deep love for her pride and an unshakeable sense of duty. Despite her tough exterior, there’s no doubt she’s as loyal and protective as they come.
|
