Chapter 61

Ayasu gently pushed Aurelia forward by the small of her back. The light touch had a mother's care and leader's insistence. Her bright yellow eyes regarded Aurelia with respect. "Please forgive Juma. He never wanted to be chief. He loved the hunter's life and all the dangers that came with it."

Aurelia leaned against the cold stone and scratched her back against the rough edges of the wall, "I thought you were against Zinjo and I being together."

"I wanted to hate you. You are the one who stole my Zinjo from me, or at least that's what I thought at first," Ayasu smirked as a sigh of relief escaped the lips of the princess. "I saw the way my Zinjo looks at you. Many young lionesses tried to win his heart, but he would have none of them."

"Why?" the question burned in the back of Aurelia's mind like a hot coal.

"Zinjo always had a fascination with the outside world and desired to explore it. His father, Imamu, tried to talk him out of it, as did Juma. However, once the goddess tapped him on the shoulder, there was no stopping him."

The memory of their first meet still evoked weakness from Aurelia's knees, and the redness of her face became clear, "I will never forget our first meet as long as I live. He has been a loving and caring mate throughout our adventures."

Before the princess could say another word, Ayasu threw her arms around Aurelia and purred from her throat, "You everything the goddess promised him and more. Imamu would've been proud to know you."

Aurelia embraced the lioness and took comfort in the motherly embrace. Back home, such things were rare, and Aurelia enjoyed every last second and responded in kind. "It will mean a lot to Zinjo that we get along."

Ayasu's face beamed with pride and then darkened, "Providing you survive the challenge. Sahiri is a ferocious opponent and savage fighter. She will be doubly tough for you because she wanted to win Zinjo's heart."

"I will keep that in mind, Pride Mother," Aurelia spoke with deference and respect.

"Please do. I fear Zinjo will kill Juma if anything happens to you," Not a trace of humor marred the words of Ayasu. Her yellow eyes remained steady and regarded Aurelia with concern.

***

Ayasu escorted Aurelia to the waiting area of the arena, where Zinjo paced angrily. "He has lost his mind. What purpose does barring access to the broken plains serve."

Slender hands touched the broad shoulders of Zinjo, followed by Aurelia's thin arms wrapped around the muscled body. "Zinjo, do not go into this fight with anger in your heart. Juma is still family, yes? She took a moment to inhale his spicy scent.

Ayasu put a hand on Zinjo's shoulder and spoke in a gentle voice, "Remember Zinjo, you no longer make the laws. I will be there in the front row. Please show your brother mercy." Ayasu stalked away down the hall.

Zinjo clenched his fist in anger, "I should never have left Juma in charge. Kuende and Nyo would have done better," He spat on the ground.

Without warning, Aurelia's hand hit Zinjo's cheek with a loud smack. The guards at the door winced and chuckled, "Stop it. Your brother wants to see you rattled and unfocused to gain the advantage over you."

Shock registered in the golden eyes of Zinjo. Their intense gaze never left Aurelia for a second. "I am sorry, dark princess, I forgot myself for a moment."

"What is with you? Since we came to your homeland, you've grown angry and difficult to deal with?"

"It's Juma. After our father died, he was never the same. He was present at Imamu's death. Whatever occurred twisted his mind, and I worry he will never get better."

Aurelia gripped her parasol blade and grinned, "Then we had better win."

***

Ayasu stood in the center of the stone arena, parasol open and slung over her shoulder as per the proper use. The Lions came in their cat forms. Each one growled and roared with excitement at the coming attraction.

Zinjo looked over at Aurelia, his eyes filled with an apology, "Forgive Juma for what he is about to say."

On a dais with two thrones sat the black-maned Juma, and next to him was a muscular woman with black hair streaked with blonde. She gripped a bone-handled spear. Her electric blue eyes remained fixed on Aurelia t a house cat regards a mouse in the backyard.

Juma raised his hands for silence, and the din died down ten seconds later, "We closed the broken plains for a reason. The blackened sand is unnatural and ensures nothing grows. Such places are dangerous, which is why anyone who wishes to visit the accursed locale must prove they have the fortitude to survive such a hostile environment."

The crowd roared in assent to Juma's word. The pride leader took a moment to bask in the adoration of his public and then pointed to Zinjo and Aurelia, "These outlanders seek entrance into a place that no longer concerns them or anyone else in this arena. I would hear their reasons for entering the black sand."

Zinjo remained mute and stood at the ready. Aurelia refused to hold her silence. "We did not come as tourists. I'm sure you all have heard of Kivuli?"

Whispers spread through the matted hair and fangs like wildfire. Aurelia allowed the hushed words to die before she spoke again. Zinjo's eyes watched her with admiration, and it encouraged her to continue, "We have learned the Kivuli exist everywhere. They destroyed two kingdoms near my home, Shadowfen."

Astonished murmurs echoed through the air. Aurelia capitalized on the shock and awe, "We have come for the black sand to create a prison for the living shadows. A Kivuli sits on the throne of an advanced nation. I fear it will start a war that will not end."

Juma scoffed, "I see you bring the lies of the outside world with you. Admit you are after the glory of being the first outsider to see the broken plains."

Once more, the Al' Miraj appeared in front of Aurelia, "I think my divine friend disagrees with you, Juma," Aurelia pointed at the Al' Miraj's luminescent horn. "I am determined to win this fight and the hearts of people back home for the future of Shadowfen and the world."

Aurelia's words garnered a few cheers from the younger lions and some respectful nods from the elders. Zinjo roared and stepped forward, "Juma, the dark princess speaks the truth, end this madness. Grant us passage, and you will never see us again, this I swear."

The arrogant leader pretended to think about it, "No, Zinjo, I think you will pay for what you did to me," He and Sahiri leaped from the dais to the ground. Juma raised his partisan and shouted, "Let the challenge begin."