By some stroke of luck, Kiara managed to haul herself to Sarafina's den without running into Nala (or, indeed, any other lions). As soon as she was inside, she flopped onto her side, panting. She was more exhausted than she'd ever been in her life.

"Grandma?" she managed to call out weakly. It felt like a year before Sarafina actually came out to where Kiara could see her.

"Kiara?" the old lioness said. "Goodness, darling, you look terrible! Did you walk here all by yourself?"

"Y-yeah," Kiara panted. Sarafina looked her granddaughter over. The cub had certainly gained weight since the last time she'd been here. No wonder she looked so tired!

"Well, I was just about to have dinner. Would you like to join me?"