approached the entrance she shut her eyes. She would have to get used to the light of day. She opened her eyes, looking in all directions hoping to see some pride members. She even expected to see Kadiri with the cubs but no one was around. Her ears rose and she snapped her head upward. In the morning light, she saw two familiar lions on the promontory. Dailia stepped forward then saw Etana’s sleeping spot. She walked over and lay down in the shade.

            The two lions on the promontory were the king and the shaman of the Pridelands.

            “Arif, you can keep at least some things to yourself, even if it is a secret,” Baraka said. “Do you have to tell Akase everything?”

            “Yes!” Arif said, turning to meet his brother’s cool green eyes. “Baraka, she’s my mate, my partner in life. To keep even the slightest thing from her could rip the bond we have.”

            “Yes, but too much honesty isn’t good for a relationship. I’m no expert but…”

            “No, you’re not, Baraka. You have no idea what’s like to share your life with someone,” Arif snarled then his eyes widened at the realization of what he’d said. “Oh,” he said fearfully and he began to stammer. “Bar-Baraka, I’m so sorry. I-I… I didn’t…” He started weeping.

            The king was taken aback. He would’ve replied with anger but the look on Arif’s face and the sadness in his voice made him soften. He moved close, allowing his brother to bury his tearstained face on his shoulder.

            “Arif,” said Baraka after a moment of silence. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it. I understand that you’re worried about what you can’t tell Akase. Whatever it is, you don’t have to tell me.”

            “Even if the secret is about you?” the shaman thought. He closed his eyes. The words he spoke hurt and overwhelmed him. After a minute he pulled away, wiping his eyes with a paw. “Okay,” he said, sniffing.

            Baraka smiled warmly and nuzzled Arif. “All is forgiven, brother.” He sighed. Arif didn’t mean to bring it up. It just happened. His family and friends, aside from Hasira, he forgave when they mentioned it. They were trying to help. He’d have done the same for any of them.

            From her position, Dailia heard and saw enough. Her heart sank. She felt sorry for the brothers. She cleared her throat softly and came up, her fur shining in the sun’s rays. How wonderful that feeling was! A mischievous smile crossed her face.

            “Aww and I thought only sisters nuzzled in comfort. Who knew brothers could do that,” she teased.

            The lions pulled away and spun around. They were silent, looking as though they had seen a ghost.

            “Dailia, is that you?” Arif asked. Laughter overcame his surprise. Like a cub he ran and nuzzled her fiercely.

            She laughed. “Morning to you too, Arif…”

            The shaman gently licked her cheek and stepped back, watching her and his brother share a sibling nuzzle. “Thank you, God,” Arif said, tears of joy running down his face. “Thank you…”

            “Are you alright?” Baraka asked with concern as he pulled away.

            Dailia nodded. “I’m well, Baraka. I don’t know how Etana did it, but I’m healed. There’s no pain at all. It’s a miracle.”

            Baraka smiled but the expression fell as he saw Dalia’s face become serious. From that, he could tell something was wrong.

            She spoke again. “But now, it’s Etana who needs help. She’s very weak. She could barely talk when I woke and asked what she had done. Whatever she did to heal me, I’m guessing the pain I suffered is in her now…”

            “I’ll get Rafiki,” said Arif.

            They watched him leave. When he was gone, his form running through the grasslands, the king met eyes with Dailia. “Let’s go,” he said and Dailia failed to notice the worry in his voice.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The pride came out of the lower caves, and Takata left his shelter under the promontory when Arif ran up the stairs with Rafiki on his back. In wonder and concern, they all gathered on the platforms of Pride Rock, waiting for news of Etana and Dailia. Takata walked up to the den and stood beside it, worry in his features.

            Kadiri had his cubs beside him. He yawned tiredly and shadows surrounded his almost bloodshot eyes. He hadn’t slept well after his walk the night before. He had woken many times. Luckily, the children slept soundlessly. Now he was worried and anxious. He hoped the shamans would be able to give some information about Dailia. In the depths of his mind, he wondered about Etana too.

            Did her plan work? Was she okay? How was Dailia? Was she better or worse? The questions ran but he shrugged them off. He looked at his children; his daughters had hopeful faces while his son’s direction was on the den. Everyone waited. The silence was unbearable. Would they lose two members? Kadiri cast down his head, shutting his eyes.

            Sabiha saw her father’s expression and wrapped herself around his forelegs. Kadiri kissed her head. “Lord, please let Dailia and Etana be alright…” the lion said softly.

            A moment later, the entire pride gasped and a few lionesses started walking to the cave. Takata looked up expectantly, his red eyes glowing. He smiled. It wasn’t who he expected but he was happy just the same. The lioness nuzzled him, the way a cub would its father. As she made her way to the pride, the smile fell from the black lion’s face. Dailia, being up and around meant only one thing. He wasn’t worried. He knew what had to happen.

            The pride’s eyes were wide; their mouths open in shock, happiness and complete amaze. Dailia smiled at them then came to Kovu and Kiara. She nuzzled them, the Regents giving her parent like licks on her cheeks. Dailia walked to Mabaki and Saada and the three friends nuzzled each other happily. They all watched when she approached Hasira. No one spoke. The sisters only looked at each other.

            Finally, Hasira said, “I’m glad you’re better, Dailia.”

            Dailia smiled. In her heart she knew Hasira was only half glad. Where she wasn’t was the fact that Etana healed her. “You owe Etana the life of your own sister,” she said softly. “Stop treating her the way you do.” She briefly nuzzled Hasira then stepped away.

            Hasira watched her go but didn’t speak. Where there had been a small ounce of warmth in her eyes, was now cold again.

            The rest of the lionesses greeted their once fallen pride member warmly. Akase, with her cubs, gave Dailia loving smiles. Dailia returned the gestures then saw four faces she hadn’t expected to see again.

            “Momma!” cried Sabiha.

            “You’re okay!” Dhani added, also crying, wrapping herself around Dailia’s right foreleg.

            “You’re healed,” said Sharif.

            Dailia nuzzled them, kissing their faces. She purred.

            While the pride looked on, Kadiri shook his head. Was he dreaming or was this real? His heart skipped. He wasn’t dreaming; his cubs’ laughter proved that. Kadiri froze. He couldn’t move for fear he would pass out or run and tackle her like a cub. His head swam. This had to be a dream but the