surprised it took you so long.”

The Queen stared, mouth agape. “But you... you died...”

“No. The Pridelands assumed I died.” He was spitting his words now, and his claws slowly became unsheathed. “They turned their backs on my after I was attacked. They didn't search for me. They barely grieved for me.”

No, that's not true. Mother wept for an eternity. Kiara said nothing, afraid of incurring this lion's wrath. The three of them would never be able to combat him.

“Well now, I'm coming home!” Kopa crowed, a mad gleam coming to his eye. “My ordeals didn't kill me, they made me stronger. Strong enough to claim my throne, the throne you stole from me!” He pointed a clawed toe at his sister.

“No, Kopa, please --”

“That's right, Kiara, I'm back.” His grin was gone now. “And I'll see the Pridelands burn before I give up what is rightfully mine.”