The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the savanna. The air was thick with anticipation as the animals prepared for the night's hunt. A lone figure prowled through the tall grass, her movements silent and graceful despite the awkwardness of her gait. Her fur, once the rich color of midnight, had faded to shades of purple and pink, a testament to the years she had spent alone. This lioness, known as Dusk, had been cast out from her pride long ago for a peculiar trait: her fangs were at least three inches longer than those of her kin, making them protrude even when her mouth was closed. The other lions saw this as a curse, a sign that she was cursed and would bring nothing but suffering and death to the pride. But Dusk saw her fangs as a gift, a tool to survive in a world where she was nothing more than an outcast.
Dusk spent many moons alone, she travelled for miles, sometimes she'd even not eat for days, until one day, she came across a large pride, and their King, Apate, saw Dusk on the outskirt of the pride, and came to confront her as to why she was roaming around their territory so late at night.
She simply said to Apate, "I was cast out from my old pride...I've spent many moons alone, and have not eaten for days...they kicked me out because of my fangs, they thought they were a curse..." Her voice trailed off, and Apate, sensing her desperation and loneliness, felt a pang of sympathy in his heart. He looked deep into her eyes and saw the same courage and determination that had brought him to where he was today. He decided then and there that he would take her in, not as a burden, but as a member of his pride.
Dusk was shocked that Apate wanted her to join his pride. She had given up hope of ever finding a place where she belonged. Trembling with emotion, she lowered her head in gratitude. "Thank you, King Apate. I promise to serve you and your pride with all of my heart." Her voice was barely audible over the rustling grass, but it carried a weight of sincerity that struck deep within the chest of the great lion.
King Apate nodded, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You will have a place here, Dusk. And though your fangs may cause some to fear you, I see them not as a curse, but as a strength. They are what have allowed you to survive this long. In my pride, you will be respected for who you are, and your unique gifts will be cherished." He placed a massive paw on her shoulder, and she felt a surge of warmth and acceptance flow through her.
She was quick to make friends in this pride, everyone adored her fangs and how she would hunt for the pride. Even the cubs would play with her and try to imitate her long fangs. Dusk became a member of the pride whom was respected by all, including King Apate. Her unique abilities to hunt and defend the pride made her invaluable. Over time, her fur began to regain its original color, thanks to the nourishing prey and the care she received from her new family.
Done by Maiden (#420675)
