All of the cubs belive me now. They tend to keep their distance accept for one. Dumb as a dog, this one listens to my many tales.

"So, your mother won't take you hunting yet?" The cub nods, longing to have an adventure. "Don't tell your mother, but I can show you how leopards hunt if you like." I whispered as an antelope wondered aimlessly into view. The cub's eyes lit up with excitement. A leopard's and a lion's hunting techniques are very different, but at least I can prove to them once more that I am the cub that has brought hope to those who had none.

The lioness returned with a measly kill to see the cubs and I eating my catch. Lions have to share their kill, I guess this is one of the benefits of working alone. I'm not sure exactly which expression I could see on her face... was it relive? Was it scorn? I don't know. I simply can't tell.

--------------------------------------

We settled down for the night to sleep, but I find myself watching the beautiful sunset before twilight beckons the stars. I had forgotten just how magical a moment like this was. I sigh and set my weary head down on my paws. Dare I even call the cubs beside me friends? I close my eyes as dreams wash over me...

/\/\/\ Shadowclaw's dream /\/\/\

I wake in a cage. A large cage under the stars. My mother -my real mother, the lioness and the leopardess tower over me. My mother's gaze was sharp and unforgiving, an appearance that looked as if it could see right through me. She thrust her head forward, a snarl spread across her face as she made a feeble attempt to bite me. I shuffle back instinctively.

The lioness launches herself towards me and I find myself unable to move, as if my body had become ice and if I move a muscle I'd shatter into a thousand pieces. The attack was blocked by the leopardess, she stood strong before me with a courage I had never seen from her before. The lioness and my mother mutter something about not wanting me which resulted in a bitter hiss from both myself and the leopardess.

/\/\/\ end of dream /\/\/\

I had other nightmares that night, but the leopardess saves me from those too. I can almost feel her spiritual presence looming over me. It's an emotion that makes me feel warm and wanted inside. I feel as if... if I die at that very moment I wouldn't care, I'd still be happy.

Author's note: Shout out to SophieRapley3 for patiently waiting for each and every chapter to be published!