Ciro awaited outside the den. Ayanga should be back any moment. How long would it take to get a priestess?

The Captain did not think it appropriate to watch a lioness give birth, even if there seemed to be a struggle with the thrall. He frowned, resisting the urge to peek into the den, to see if the lioness was still in distress.

Inside the den, four large cubs were already born. Their mewls were quiet. Heavy breathing was coming from the older lioness, but other than that, there was silence. Her belly was still swollen, a clear indication there was still more to go. However, she just did not have the energy anymore to continue. Instead, Astrid found herself resting her head on a rolled up pelt, dark pink eyes glazing over as she stared towards the back of the den.

Her daughter, Astrus, stood over her, unsure what to do. She could only give her comforting words, unsure if her mother was even hearing them at this point. "Don't worry mom. Aya should be back any minute." The Reaver glanced towards the den entrance, the shadow of Ciro all she could see.