[-Isabella-]

Subira stared out over the territory before her, caught up in her thoughts. It had been months now since her cubs had been born. One of her three cubs had been stillborn, but the other two had been healthy thankfully. Zephyr was growing into a strong and intelligent young lion and his sister...just the thought of her made Subira's heart ache.
She had nearly given up both of her cubs, not wanting them to face the potential troubles that awaited them in her pride. But she hadn't been strong enough to give them both up. So, she'd sent her daughter away with her father, knowing life in the pride would likely be harder for her than for her brother as she grew. She'd done it for the best, but that didn't mean she didn't still miss her daughter every day, and hope she was safe and happy with her father.

She was so caught up in her memories she didn't notice her son until he had half pounced on her, growling playfully.

"Zephyr! You'll scare me to death one of these days."

"Aw mom, you know I won't." The young lion tilted his head, grinning that crooked smile of his.

Subira couldn't help smiling. "What have you been up to?"

"Just messing around with the others." As he spoke the young male looked off into the distance and Subira knew something was on his mind.

"Did you need something?"

"Well, I wanted to ask..about something."

"Alright, what is it?"

"Well, my father. I just wondered...who he is, or if you missed him. If you'd tell me, something."

Subira wasn't exactly surprised by the question. He was getting older, and his unknown parentage had long been a matter of discussion in the pride. She'd told him only that she left his father to come home when he was born. But perhaps now was the time to tell him a little more.

"Well, your father was a good lion," she began, keeping her voice steady with some effort. "I loved him very much."

"Why did you leave him then?"

"I didn't want to, but his pride wouldn't have accepted our relationship, and neither would mine. He was too loyal to leave and I respected that. So, we parted ways."

"Well why hasn't he ever tried to see me? Or visit you?"

"It would be dangerous for us both, even now. Perhaps especially now. But I'm sure he'd like to meet you if he could."

"Really?" Zephyr looked almost hopeful and Subira felt a prick of guilt.

"Yes, really. You're growing into a fine young lion Zephyr. I'm very proud, and I'm sure he would be too."

"Thanks." Zephyr smiled a little, settling down and leaning against his mother a little. "Does it make you sad, missing him?" He asked softly.

"Yes, sometimes it does," she admitted quietly. "But we had some wonderful times together and I will always treasure that, even if I can never see him again."

"Well, maybe one day when I grow I'll find him. And if I do maybe we can be a family, or at least you can see him again. I want you to be happy."

"Thank you, son." Subira hugged him gently with her head. "I'm very lucky to have you."

"Well, you're the best mom ever," he said. "I'm lucky too."

Subira smiled a little, feeling her love for her son welling up inside her. Even if she never saw her mate again, or her daughter, she was glad she had him at least. Even with all of the heartache and difficulties she had faced, having him made it just a little easier and gave her something worth fighting for.