Jayson looked up in pride at the mighty king atop Pride Rock. The beautiful lioness at his side was everything Daren had always said and more. And behind them, stood a group of weary lionesses, some still bearing patches of black, while others stood watching the royal pair with astonishment and gratitude. All around the base of Pride Rock, the floxes held their positions, preventing any of the Black Pride from leaving.

With Kianga by his side, Daren lifted his eyes to the glowing sky. He could feel the approval of the kings and knew that he had done what he needed to. Lowering his gaze, the new king started to try and think of what to do with the Black Pride. However, his fight had been a great and terrible one, and in the moment of claiming his kingdom, he had forgotten his wounds. Frowning, Daren tried to concentrate, but the lands started to go out of focus. He swayed slightly, and then tried to stand tall once more. But it was something he couldn't fight.

With a shudder, the king collapsed in the lightly falling rain.

"Daren!" gasped Kianga, bending to try and help him up. But all she could do was watch in horror as her mate's eyes flickered slightly and then closed with a deep sigh.

"Kianga…" he whispered, before his mighty head fell.

For a moment, the animals gathered were silent, and then came the realization of what had happened. Azmera screamed and ran forwards towards Daren's fallen form. Lisha left her sister's side and rushed forwards as well, tears streaming down her fur. Far below, Jayson stood in horror until he saw his son, Obsieron, frantically climbing the rocks. Jayson leapt after the young flox, and soon the pair was standing next to Lisha.

As the grieving animals called out in anger, Blacksoul stood in silence where Lisha had left her. Something from her past seemed to call out to her – a memory which she had pushed into the back of her mind long before. When she had been younger, her mother had taught her the ways of a healer. She knew the herbs and roots to use on different wounds and suddenly, she realized that she knew what was wrong with Daren. The king wasn't dead!

Standing next to Daren's still body, Azmera lifted her head to the sky and cried with a loud voice. "Kimoni! You told me everything would be alright! You cannot take Daren, not now!"

As if in answer, the animals gasped in amazement. A glowing form was walking slowly towards Azmera, and the lionesses who had known him bowed to the ground. It was the Great King Kimoni, standing in front of them as if he was still alive.

Bowing her head, Azmera swallowed. "Forgive me sire."

Her kind mate shook his head. "You have done nothing wrong my love." Then, looking out at the lionesses and floxes standing far below, he shook his fluffy mane.

"Know this. Terrible things have happened here, but there are those among you who possess such courage, who would give anything, even their lives, to free those they love. The Kings will always watch over the Pride Lands and those who remain worthy to receive their guidance."

Finally, Kimoni turned to face the new queen. Kianga's face was wet with tears but her eyes shone with hope. "And now, my dear young queen – know this. There is hope for Daren yet. He can be saved."

Kianga looked in surprise at the king and then down to Daren. Placing her head against his chest, she heard a soft, shallow beating. "Oh Kimoni," she began, looking up again. But the Great King had vanished. However, waiting slightly behind where he had stood, was Blacksoul. She bowed her head to the ground, barely daring to speak. Her voice was soft; almost a whisper, but it bore the tones of sadness and regret.

"Your highness," she began. "I once learned the ways of a healer. I offer my services to you."

Azmera's head snapped up, her eyes blazing. How dare she offer such a thing? But Kianga saw something different. In her countless hours watching Blacksoul, she had begun to see another lioness than the black hearted one they all knew. Kianga realized that something terrible had happened to Blacksoul – something that had forced her to become the evil leader of the Black Pride. Carefully going over things in her mind, she made a decision. Kimoni's visit had been a special one. She wouldn't take the things he said lightly. If Daren was to be healed, Blacksoul was their only chance.

Leaving the king's side, she approached the black-splotched lioness. Blacksoul raised her head, and looked into Kianga's kind blue eyes. Blacksoul hardly felt worthy to return the lioness's stare, but she couldn't seem to look away.

"What is your real name?" asked Kianga softly.

Blacksoul gulped. Glancing over at Lisha, she felt her courage rise as her sister nodded. A rush of feelings and memories flooded her mind, but Blacksoul didn't falter.

"Rehema," she whispered.

Kianga lowered her head in a respectful, pleading sort of bow. "Then Rehema, I beg you. Heal my mate."

The Great Kings watched with approval as the queen offered her forgiveness. That night, the stars saw the most merciful creature the Pride Lands had ever raised. As the moon shone down on Pride Rock and the rain continued to gently fall, the two lionesses approached the fallen body of the king as equals. And nearby, even Azmera nodded with approval.

It was time for peace.