Arc 5: Blood Ties

> *"The Auroramane pride is one of the 10 prides that have allied with the powerful Shardbound Empire. They provide bountiful food stock in exchange for protection from rogues, however danger from within may prove far more deadly than enemies across boundaries."*
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*Blood Ties* takes place just before Arc 1: Genesis. It tells the story of the Auroramane pride whose survivors fled to Crystalspire mesa and covers the childhood of Aries, Shamir, and Eilina.

## Act 1

### Cold Feet

#### Spring 1337 N.E.

Lady Talaith of Auroramane pride is prepping her youngest ward, Lyra, for the initial meeting with Lyra’s betrothed. The young lioness is engaged to General Heliodor, the eldest son of Lord Zircon of the Empire. The two lionesses are freshening up Lyra’s fur and horns when Lyra’s friend Maia enters the chamber. She alerts Talaith that her niece, Ara, is requesting her presence. Ara is pregnant and has been antsy as of late. Talaith waves Maia off, saying she will be with her niece soon enough she just has to finish up with Lyra. The older and younger lioness chat for a bit. Talaith wants to know how Lyra is feeling. Lyra says she is nervous yet excited to meet her future mate. a General sounds *so*…interesting. Inwardly Lyra reflects on how imposing this whole thing is and how she isn’t thrilled, but if it makes Talaith happy then so be it. Bramble arrives to let Talaith know Atlas has spotted the Lord and General at the boundary.

Lyra and Talaith make the slow walk to Lyra’s future mate. They meet with the fearsome father-son duo and Lyra is not impressed. Heliodor is brutish, ignorant, and seems to care very little for his betrothed. Talaith and Zircon try to give the young couple time to themselves, but Heliodor says something rude and Lyra promptly leaves him. The lioness runs off to stew away from everyone and in doing so accidentally spooks a part of Talaith’s zebra herds. She attempts to flee, tripping over a log in the process. Lyra then accepts her fate as the thunderous hooves of the zebra are about to bear down on her. Suddenly a mighty roar splits the herd apart and Lyra is saved. Standing above her defensively is the strapping, charming lion named Atlas. Lyra knows him vaguely as Ara’s mate but also one of the Shepherds in the pride. He makes sure she is safe and apologies for not keeping a better watch over the herd. Atlas says he will make this up to Lyra and disappears as quickly as he arrives, leaving Lyra rather smitten.

The following days Lyra is able to explain to Talaith the uncouth behavior Heliodor displayed during their alone time. Talaith says she will talk with Lord Zircon more, giving Lyra just a bit more time of freedom. During this time Lyra thinks about Atlas saving her and his charming nature. She catches glimpses of him across the fields caring for zebra and gnu and Lyra’s infatuation grows a bit. One morning when the pride is switching off shifts, Lyra is able to run into him. The two chat and Atlas invites her to meet him later that night to talk. She does and the two lay out in the fields, hidden by the herds, and chat. Lyra talks about her frustration with her betrothal and Atlas makes her feel listened to. He understands her and explains the predicament his sister and him are in. They finish the night with Atlas escorting her back and promising to find a way to give them everything they want.

### Stolen Nights, Secret Meetings

#### Spring 1337 N.E.

Carina and Dorado are on night-watch duty when they are visited by Atlas. He says he has just returned from a meeting with Lyra to which Carina warns him to be careful: she is intended for someone else, and a General of the Empire no less. Besides, isn't Ara expecting cubs with him? He expresses his disinterest in Ara, saying she was a fling that went on too long. He has no intention of helping her raise her cubs nor does he love her. Lyra however…she’s everything Atlas wants. Carina blows him off, but Atlas continues. He says that she, like the rest of them, is tired of this life. They’ve talked about it long enough, now is the time to prepare to leave while they still have the chance. Dorado mentions Eris and Arani are also getting tired of this, which only fuels Atlas more. He begins to plot their escape, starting with looking for a new home. They’ll have to keep Talaith distracted so they can search and so Atlas can continue his courting of Lyra. He suggests Carina seduce Taliath to keep her preoccupied which Carina is against, but reluctantly agrees in the end.

#### Summer 1337 N.E.

Talaith is lecturing Lyra about her future meeting with General Heliodor, however the young lioness is only half listening. She and Atlas have been meeting more in the recent days, always at night and away from everyone else, but it just makes their time together all the more sweet. Talaith is about to chastise Lyra when Bramble interrupts rather sullenly. He tells Tala that his brother, Tumbleweed, has died and he is heading home for the funeral. Arani and Nanala are staying here in the meantime-they seem to be shaken up by the news, both having requested alone time to process. Tala expresses her sorrow and allows Bramble to go. Afterwards Ara arrives, looking for her aunt to help with the cramping she’s been having. Exasperated, Talaith follows her niece and tells Lyra they’ll talk more later. As soon as they’re gone Lyra goes in search of Atlas who’s talking with other pride members about leaving. When Lyra interrupts, Atlas takes her for a walk. He begins to talk about the current plan to leave the pride and extends an invitation to Lyra. She is hesitant so Atlas gives her time to think.

Following their conversation, Lyra walks away from the fields to the caves. Along the way she runs into Maia, her best friend. The two catch up, Maia commenting on how she and Ara barely see Lyra anymore. Is she okay? Is the betrothal making her nervous? She can always talk to her best friends! Lyra is hesitant, but asks to speak in private with Maia. Lyra then begins to confess her meetings with Atlas and her feelings for him. Maia is shocked, mildly disgusted, but mainly concerned. Atlas is already with Ara and they’re about to have cubs together, how could she love him? Lyra argues how could she be expected to love Heliodor when she’s barely met him! Maia argues that while Lyra thinks she knows Atlas, Maia has had to work with him and he isn’t the charmer Lyra thinks he is. He’s just as bad as her good for nothing brother Dorado, if not worse. Lyra begins to get annoyed and argues Maia is just jealous that no one pays her any attention. This sets off an argument between the two that culminates in Lyra saying she and Maia are no longer friends. Maia, distraught, runs away while Lyra solidifies her decision in leaving Auroramane with Atlas.

### Everything Comes With A Cost

#### Summer 1337 N.E.

It’s been a day since Atlas proposed leaving to Lyra. He, Carina, and Dorado have snuck off in the night to look for a new territory, having the other stock keepers cover for them in the meantime. Atlas says in his initial searches he found a nice piece of land several miles away, near the coast. It takes them nearly 2 days to get there, but they find it. The only catch is this piece of territory has been taken already, but Atlas intends to change that. He convinces Carina to distract the lead male (Flint) of the pride, leading him to a sea cave where Dorado and Atlas are hiding. Atlas will sneak up on Flint and drown him within one of the tidal pools then dumps the body into the ocean. They will then wait for the lead lion’s brother (Jett) to come looking and kill him too, solidifying the territory as theirs. What they don’t expect is the second lion to bring his young son (Cobalt) on patrol. He witnesses his father and uncle’s murders then attempts to flee. Carina captures him, but lets him go, unable to kill an innocent kid. Atlas in a rage rushes past her and murders the youth, chastising his sister for not sticking to the plan. They’ll dump the bodies into the ocean like the other, leaving their pride to think they were swept out to sea and without a Guardian. Once they are done, Atlas instructs Dorado to stay behind to ensure the territory stays theirs and to keep an eye on the resident pride. He and his sister will head back to Auroramane to get the rest of the pride, which should only take a few days. Carina looks at the blood soaking her paws and begins to have doubts…

Back in Auroramane, Talaith has grown concerned. A few days ago Carina, Dorado, and Atlas went missing and haven’t been seen since. She initially believed they ran away, but has grown more concerned that something happened to them as more reports come in from Lord Zircon about rogues trying the borders. Maia interrupts her brooding with some concerning news about Lyra. Meanwhile Lyra has patiently been waiting for a sign from Atlas. She’d told Atlas just before he left she wanted to go with him when they left and now all she had to do was wait for the signal to leave. She’s doing this when Talaith confronts her about her relationship with Atlas. When Lyra confesses with something akin to pride, Tala loses her temper with the young lioness, forbidding her from ever seeing the lion again. Lyra refutes and refuses to speak to Tala. Annoyed, the older lioness leaves while Maia stays behind to attempt to talk to her friend but is ignored.

That night Talaith is pacing out of frustration when Carina finds her. The older lioness is both excited, confused, and angry at seeing her but the two talk civilly. During this Talaith notices smoke and light on the horizon: fire. Talaith is racing across the territory to find her pride mates and also find the source of the fire. She can’t find anyone and without Bramble here to help, she is alone in her search. Eventually she finds Lyra, near stranded on a hill, with Maia huddling next to her. Talaith tries to rush the girls out, but Atlas stops them. He says he wants Lyra and will not take no for an answer-he wants to free the pride members she’d be happy with working till they die. Tala tries to refute this but Lyra assures Tala she wants to go with Atlas, she loves him and this is what she wants. Tala attempts to stop her but Atlas grabs her. He is stopped by Carina, who defends a horrified Tala. Atlas sneers and lets the old lioness live. He passes off his new bride to Carina, telling her to take the other to safety. Atlas stays behind to loom over Talaith and threaten her to never look for Lyra or the others. Then he is gone. Talaith is left to drag Maia away from the danger of the flames to the maternity den where Ara has been staying-it's far enough away the flames should not have reached that far yet. There the bewildered Ara is trying to grapple with what’s happened-Talaith tells Ara that a lightning strike set the dry summer grass ablaze. She found Maia then tried to find the others but the fire cut them off. She is doubtful anyone has survived, but they can check in the morning, after that they are heading to the Crystalspire mesa to talk with the Emperor. While Ara begins to sob, Talaith watches her home burn to ashes.

## Act 2

### Pyreblood Pride

#### Summer 1337 N.E.

Atlas is leading his new pride to their new home. Arani and Eris are thrilled at their new freedom and enamored with Atlas’ bravery for saving them. Nanala is hesitant, but will not leave her sister. She just worries about their uncle Bramble…Carina meanwhile is conflicted. She is happy to be free, but seeing Lyra bounce between glee and despair is beginning to make her reconsider what they’d done. It takes two days to get to the beach. When they arrive the group is speechless. The area is beautiful. It also happens to already be inhabited by the Pyreblood pride made up of Ophira, her recently born son, Shamir, her sister-in-laws Allirea & Adi, and Takara, who is unrelated to anyone there. They’ve recently lost the grown males of their pride to a tragic accident and Atlas offers up himself and Dorado if the Pyreblood pride is alright with allowing them to stay. Ophira reluctantly agrees after discussing it over with her pride.

The group quickly settles into their new home: Eris gives birth to Orion (Dorado is the father). They learn fast that the ocean is dangerous and to be wary of the tide. That being said a year goes by uneventfully before Atlas and Lyra have their son Aries. Atlas is excited at the prospect of having a son who he can impart his wisdom and power onto. Lyra is just blessed at having a beautiful cub who looks so much like her. Aries and Orion, being the only "Auroramane" cubs, are exceptionally close. Orion is the confident yet relaxed one while Aries is reserved but very inquisitive-they balance each other out. The two early on decided that despite not being related, they are brothers for life. Shamir is kept separate by his mother for the most part, she does not trust these new pride members no matter how much they have charmed the others. She will not leave her precious Shamir alone lest he end up like his father or uncle and cousin. Once she is physically able, she begins to take up the role of Consul much to Atlas’ annoyance. Dorado reports to him a rogue has been lingering at the borders as of late and Ophira and Atlas have different reactions to this. Ophira believes they should seek out this rogue and learn his intentions while Atlas believes they should defend their home but Atlas concedes…for now.

#### Fall 1338 N.E.

2 years later the boys have grown a bit. Ophira is also pregnant, not with Dorado or Atlas’ cubs, but a male along the borders. A rogue stayed for a few weeks but ultimately moved on. Atlas’ attitude slowly starts to change and he becomes crueler. Anytime Lyra feels any sort of reservation over her decision to leave or wonders how the others are doing, Atlas berates her and reminds her that Lyra chose this life. She is welcome to leave whenever, but they both know she never learned to be a proper lion and will always be dependent on others stronger like him. Atlas has also taken it upon himself to teach his son the ins and outs of being a Leader to a pride. These lessons make Aries feel weird-he wants to make his father proud but the things his father encourages him to do go against what his mom says and more importantly what his heart says. Orion doesn’t seem to have the same rigorous training as him…if any at all. But Aries has learned, when his mother asks questions bad things happen so he plays along as best as he can. Dorado has another litter but with Arani, three girls while Ophira gives birth to a little girl, Eilina. Atlas and Lyra have attempted to have more cubs, but with no success which begins to grate on Atlas.

### Hesitations & Doubts

#### Fall 1339 N.E.

Once the cubs are weaned, Ophira is back to hunting with the others. As the years have gone on Ophira is the only one still suspicious of Atlas and the others. Allirea, Adi, & Takara have warmed up to the other pride members and in fact some of them have begun to court each other, much to Ophira’s dismay. She still keeps her cubs relatively separate from the others but that has become harder as they have gotten older. Eilina especially tries to leave the den and explore while Shamir tries his best to wrangle his little sister. Allirea’s sickness is flaring up again so she usually remains behind with Lyra to watch the cubs while the others hunt. One day the group goes out for their usual hunt, but something goes wrong. In the end Ophira is found having been trampled to death after the prey they’d been hunting stampeded towards them (Atlas definitely did this). The Seabreeze are heartbroken, especially Shamir. Their aunt Allirea takes the two cubs in but she has been sick for some time so Lyra steps up to assist. Atlas does not approve of his mate spending time raising cubs that are not their own but Carina defends her so he backs off. Besides they have to deal with the fall out of Ophira’s death-they will need to name a new Consul. Atlas says he will have to give it some thought which Carina is shocked at-what about them leading together like they had planned?

Aries and Orion try to get Shamir out of his shell. He spends nearly everyday watching over his sister, worried sick over how she is doing. Eventually Shamir is convinced to go outside for a little bit and the three start to play. Atlas sees this and immediately crashes the party, taking Aries with him on patrol. He chastises his son with playing with low lifes such as them-he should instead be keeping a better eye on strangers like that. Doesn’t he want to keep his family safe? Aries is conflicted but just nods and they continue their patrol in silence. That night Aries sneaks out to the beach to destress (throwing rocks into the waves). Orion shows up to listen to his friends’ woes and provide a shoulder to lean on. Surprisingly Shamir also shows up, saying he missed seeing the Stars…maybe his Mom is up there right now with Jasper. The three boys bond, play, and then lay to watch the sky. Aries notices something bumping into him and realizes it's Eilina! She’d been able to sneak out of the den and towards the beach. The three call it a night, Shamir carrying his sister back in a hurry. When they get back to the cave the three boys all curl up together, but Aries reluctantly gets up once they are asleep and sneaks over towards his father to sleep.

### Beware the Tide

#### Winter 1341 N.E.

The cubs of the pride are out and about for the day. The huntresses are out, Atlas and Dorado are on patrol, and Lyra is caring for the now sicker Allirea. Aries, Orion, and Shamir have been instructed to watch the cubs-Eilina, Nashira, Amaranth, Calla, Ayana, and Bailara. They are all playing on the beach. Aries has been spending more time with his father. Atlas is somewhat unhappy with Aries’ progress→ this feeds into Aries’ desperate attempts to please his dad no matter what. Eilina eventually breaks off from the group to pester the boys. She tussles with her brother for a bit before going over to talk to Aries. They watch as Orion and Shamir spar. Within the last two years they’ve formed a tight knit group where Shamir is sorta in love with Orion and it’s sorta reciprocated. Aries feels jealousy over their relationship which Eilina sympathizes with, it’s as if her brother forgot she even existed. When Eilina changes the subject to Atlas, Aries deflects. The mere mention of his father’s name makes him feel uneasy and angry. Suddenly the group hears screams and sees the cubs out on the rocks where the tide has suddenly rushed in. Ayana and Nashira are unable to escape in time and are washed out. Aries rushes forward and jumps into the water after them. The current is much stronger than he expects and quickly the young lion is overwhelmed. When it feels like the ocean is gonna swallow him up, something ignites from within his body. He gets a second wind of sorts and his horns begin to glow, providing light for him to find Nashira. He grabs her and pulls her to shore, the two collapse coughing and shaking. By now some of the adults have returned and are on the beach searching for Ayana.

Aries and Nashira are taken to the den for recovery and they learn that night Ayana has still not been found…and most likely will never be. Her mother and Bailara are distraught, near inconsolable. Dorado consuls his mate and cub. Lyra is hovering over Aries with concern, meanwhile Atlas punishes him for not keeping a better eye on the cubs. The pride is shell shocked following Ayana’s death. Arani, Nanala, Dorado, and their cubs will remain in the den grieving for quite a while. In the meantime Aries confesses to his friends he was able to save Nashira because of this weird feeling. The group begins to speculate when Shamir brings up Mages. He says his mother knew one in her home pride. Some animals are blessed with magic, making them mages. Aries considers this, and while skeptical still asks the group to keep this a secret for now. Aries begins to have more incidents with his father, driving a further wedge between them. When Aries spies Atlas arguing and striking Lyra, he begins to think about a life outside this pride. Meanwhile his aunt has come to a similar decision after seeing Atlas’ reaction to Ayana’s death. She isn’t blind and sees how her brother treats his mate, his son, and his pride mates. She tries to convince Lyra they should go, but Lyra just repeats the awful words Atlas has screamed at her over and over. She can’t hunt, she can’t track using the Stars, she wouldn’t last a day away, and besides…she chose this life didn't she? And she can’t leave her son or the other cubs. Carina just sighs but silently agrees with Lyra. Carina then asks Lyra if she thinks about them, the others and the two start talking about their old life. It brings a bittersweet feeling over them.

### Desperate Situations Call For Desperate Choices

#### Spring 1342 N.E.

Upset in the pride really begins when Allirea dies from her illness and then Takara gives birth to two cubs, Mbali and Acacia, but their father is not Dorado…its Atlas. Lyra is heartbroken and rageful all at once, but Atlas waves her off. If she’d provide more heirs, then maybe he wouldn’t have to stray to find other lionesses who will. Aries sees how his mother is affected by this and his hatred for his father grows. His temper is at least kept at bay by hanging around Orion/Shamir/Eilina. Eilina and the others she was raised with are still shaken up by the loss of Ayana and the group in general feel at fault. They’re no longer allowed to look after the cubs and instead Lyra keeps watch over them with the other lionesses. Together the four begin to think about leaving-Orion has really taken a leadership role since losing Ayana. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else. Shamir and him agree to head out ahead of their siblings since they are old enough to find a territory of their own. They promise they’ll come back for their siblings the second they find a suitable home for the four of them. The following night the four sneak out to the beach where they say their goodbyes-its emotional but they’re hopeful for the first time in a while. Aries and Eilina go back to the den and the two curl up with one another; they’re all they have now.

The following day Orion and Shamir’s absence is immediate. Dorado and Eris are freaked out and look everywhere for their son but his scent disappears at the ocean shore. Dorado, now afraid of the ocean, is worried his son has now been taken by the waves along with Shamir. Atlas however notices the lack of reaction from his son and when they are on patrol he swats at Aries. The young lion doesn’t budge however, only saying he saw Orion and Shamir sneak out late last night and he went back to sleep before they got back. Atlas isn’t 100% pleased with this answer but Carina arrives before he can inflict any more damage. She sends Aries away and berates her brother for his actions as of late. This isn’t what they dreamed of, the two of them. But Atlas corrects her and says that it is: Carina has her freedom. Would she rather be back shoving zebras around all day with no reward or respect? When his sister hesitates he reminds her that even if she wanted to go back it isn’t as if Talaith or the others would ever accept her back. He then leaves her where she is and Carina begins to cry realizing she’s traded one prison for another.

### In This Together

#### Fall 1342 N.E.

Several months have passed since Shamir and Orion left. Eilina and Aries are beginning to get worried about the fate of their siblings meanwhile the pride is adjusting to the new normal aka folks are depressed all the time now. Amaranth, Calla, Nashira, and Bailara have grown closer but aren’t as active as they once were. Mbali and Acacia are hellions and attempt to bully their older siblings relentlessly. The two are such Daddy’s Girls to Atlas who treats them decently enough. Aries has attempted to spend less time with his father, intentionally avoiding the other lion by skipping out on patrol and not sleeping in the den with the rest of the pride. He misses Orion so much and is concerned they aren’t coming back. Eilina usually joins him outside, creeped out by Atlas and not as close to the siblings she was raised with. The two begin to grow closer and one night they are out gazing at the Stars that Aries admits he likes Eilina..like a lot. Eilina is flustered, but she likes Aries too. If nothing else they have each other…

#### Spring 1344 N.E.

Everyone is at the age to chip into the pride so Eilina, Nashira, Calla, Amaranth, and Bailara are beginning to learn to hunt. This means Eilina is away from Aries more often than before. Aries for his part has been secretly trying to get his magic to work but to no avail. He is starting to wonder, now that it's been 2 years since Shamir/Orion left, if he and Eilina should give up on leaving. Maybe if they just wait it out, they can make it here in Pyreblood. His brooding is interrupted by shouting. During the hunt, their prey spooked and Eilina was injured. She is taken to the den where Lyra is there with Aries to take care of her. Dorado collects Aries for patrol, Atlas is out right now and Dorado needs the back up. While they are gone Lyra notices that Eilina is acting skittish and comes to the realization that she is pregnant. Lyra doesn’t say anything to Eilina at the time, but goes to Carina that night. The two agree they cannot allow any more cubs to be brought into this awful place.

When Eilina’s condition progresses, Lyra and Carina make up a story that Eilina’s wounds are getting infected and she needs to stay in a more secure, isolated place. They take her to the creche dens where lionesses have given birth in the past. What surprises them is after a few days Eris shows up. She doesn’t much to them, but quickly understands why the others are there. Eilina is scared, but Lyra and Carina help her through the last leg of her pregnancy. Aries is informed soon enough and he sneaks off to see Eilina to check in on her. Throughout this whole time Eilina is having an internal meltdown. She is not ready to be a mom nor is she happy with the idea of having to stay in this pride another day especially if she just turns into lionesses like Eris, Arani, and Nanala. Everyone is so sad here and she doesn’t want that for herself. Everything gets put on pause however as both Eris and Eilina go into labor within days of each other. Eris has two cubs, Sadabari and Delphini who have the freckles of their father…Atlas. Eilina gives birth to a boy and a girl.

### Ghosts

#### Summer 1344 N.E.

Aries has taken it upon himself to catch food for Eilina while Carina distracts Atlas from her absence from the pride. Lyra has been helping Eilina with her cubs who she’s yet to name. When the younger lioness is able to walk again, she asks to take some time to herself outside. Lyra is more than happy to look after her grand cubs and notes Eilina could use the space. Eilina begins to walk about the territory and ends up on the beach. She is reminiscing about old days when it’s like she sees a ghost. The figure of Shamir appears , battered and scuffed, but alive. He is shocked to see his sister but so so relieved. The two embrace and Eilina starts to ask where Orion and him have been all this time. Shamir is hesitant but just says it didn’t work out. Orion…he left Shamir and since then he’s been trying to find his way back to Eilina. His sister says that Atlas won’t be happy to see him back, but Shamir interjects and says he isn’t staying. He is here for Eilina-they could leave all of this right now and just start over somewhere else, anywhere, she can choose. Eilina looks back and thinks long and hard about her news cubs and of Aries. Then Eilina begins to follow Shamir and the two disappear into the night together.

Aries arrives at the creche den to find Lyra with the cubs without Eilina. Lyra informs Aries that Eilina left a bit ago to get some fresh air, why not check in on her? Couples always need alone time together after having cubs, it helps re-establish bonds and all. Aries searches but finds nothing ultimately. His concern grows when he reaches the beach and finds no trace of Eilina…her scent just disappears. Aries rushes back to the den but no Eilina. Lyra and Carina begin to search for her as well, but they turn up nothing. Aries is worried something happened to her…what if something attacked her? What if the tide came in too fast and she was swept out to sea like Ayana? Lyra does her best to consul her son, but even she is worried. By the next morning Eilina still cannot be found and the pride begins to search. Aries has Eris care for his two newborns while he continues his search for Eilina. Once the day is over and they have found nothing Aries will return to the den for his cubs. Eris offers to him to raise the cubs as her own, if that would help ease his burden, but Aries refuses. He wants to be there for his offspring and that night names them: Celeste and Perseus.

### Lyra's Last Stand

#### Summer 1344 N.E.

Lyra is watching Aries nurture his young cubs with a pain in her heart. Looking around at her pride mates she takes in how pitiful they all are. Thunder begins to rumble overhead and Lyra gets an idea. In the afternoon Lyra and Carina come to Aries and ask for him to walk with the two of them. They tell him that they want him to leave with his cubs. If Lyra is correct then if Aries heads north he will eventually find the Crystalspire mesa-tell the lions there he is seeking sanctuary on behalf of Lady Lyra of Auroramane pride. This is all confusing to Aries but Lyra tells him part of their story. She wants a better life for her son and her grandcubs. Carina will help sneak them out tonight while Lyra distracts the pride and more importantly Atlas. Aries is concerned over this plan but Lyra assures him, she will be fine. She wouldn’t survive outside Pyreblood anyways, but Aries can. He just needs to try. Reluctantly Aries agrees to this and awaits his mother’s signal.

Lyra says her final goodbyes to her son who is preparing his offspring for the journey. They get their last meal from Eris who is asleep. Lyra then splits ways with her son and goes off in search of her secret weapon. Earlier that day Lyra was watching the lightning strikes from the incoming storm and eventually found a place they ignited. Lyra has harnessed a spark from the fires onto a branch she carries now. Lyra is overlooking the Pyreblood pride with anger, but waits till her son is out of sight before she begins her assault. Lyra roars loud enough for all to hear then begins to set flame to the territory. She knows from the sound of Atlas’ returning roar that he is giving chase. Lyra eventually runs to a dead end, a small cliff overlooking the ocean. Not wanting to meet her fate at the teeth of Atlas, Lyra jumps. She fights against the current until the waves wash her ashore again..but Atlas is waiting. He beats Lyra and is about to kill her when Aries shows up and attacks his father. The two fight, with Atlas seemingly having the upper hand. He drags his son to the surf and tries to drown him when that magical spark in Aries ignites again. He is able to overpower his father. Atlas charges forward and Aries listens to a voice in him that tells him to lower his head and charge too. Aries impales his father with his horns, killing Atlas. Lyra is horrified as is Carina who’d been staring off to the side with the cubs. Aries decides to dump Atlas’ body into the ocean, hoping the pride will assume Atlas just left like he has before. Reluctantly Carina leaves her brother’s body and follows Lyra and Aries as they take the cubs and leave Pyreblood for good.

### Old Faces, New Places

#### Summer 1344 N.E.

It doesn’t take long to find the mesa, only a few days. Celeste and Percy have become restless, especially with the near constant travel. Carina has been the one providing the most food for them, but Lyra does try although not much works. Aries and Lyra make their way to the mesa while Carina stays with the cubs. They are met with the patrol of the mesa, Lyra wishing to speak to the Emperor. The patrol are confused, the Empire has been dissolved and the mesa has since been taken over by the Dawn pride. This confuses Lyra, but they go along with it as Aries asks for sanctuary for his family; they have cubs. The patrol immediately brought the group to Crystalspire mesa. Arc ends with Lyra and Carina stumbling into the mesa only to be confronted by the faces of their lost pride.