A lump formed in Imani's throat as she spoke again. "What should we name him?" She asked quietly. "He deserves one."

She was hoping this would be a happy time, and it was. But she couldn't stop thinking about the little cub.

He swallowed quietly, he hadnt wanted to go there. He knew naming him woyld cause a bond that would last with him forever. "I dont know Imani." He said, his eyes gazing at the small cub. "Name him what you like." He said, going from her gaze to the cubs.

"He deserves a name just as much as they do." She said, her voice hardening. "And we are both going to come up with it. Together. I don't care if it takes days or weeks. He deserves it." He voice grew quieter as she spoke.

"I didnt say he didnt deserve it." He said, his voice beginning to go hoarse. "I just wish we had all three." He said, looking into her eyes, the only things within the deep brown pools was sadness, sorrow, and grief.

"Me too." She said, "But we have them." She said, licking Zion's small head.

"What was your dad's name?" Imani asked, looking over at Zeus.

Zeus didnt really like speaking of his dad, as it brought back painful memories. But he tried a nervous smile and said, "Kuruk. My father's name was Kuruk." Then looked away before looking back at Kiara and Zion, the pups now starting to squeak.

Imani looked at Zeus then back to the cubs. "Would you like to name him Kuruk?" She asked. She didn't want to name him that if it was going to bring back bad memories or dishonor his father.

Zeus looked towards the stillborn cub, layimg peacefully a small ways from the others. "Kuruk is a perfect name for him." He replied, nuzzling Imani softly, then giving a lick to Zion and a small nose to Kiara.

Imani picked up the cubs one by one and moved them near her stomach, lying her head on her paws. She was utterly exhausted. Sleep called to her, and it didn't take long for her to answer. She was asleep within minutes

He smiled as his mate fell asleep, the cubs seeming to fall in silence at her small snores. Zeus nuzzled her ear slightly as he rose to his paws. Imani needed rest, and Zeus had to take care of his Pride. He walked out of the den, stretching his legs for a it before meeting most of the Lions in the middle of camp, who seemed to be waiting anxious for his return. As he came into their view he was rushed with questions. "How many were there? Are they safe? Is Imani okay? Are they all healthy?" He was asked over and iver. He lifted his tail in the air for silence. "Okay, okay." He said, trying to calm them down. Then he filled them in on the cubs conditions, the stillborn, Imani's conditon, and the rest of their questions.