He twisted back to give her one last nuzzle unable to tear himself away, but he knew this was best for them both, for the pride. He pressed his nose against her fur once more to inhaled her scent before turning and heading off.

He trusted her, all would be well in the pride, he just hoped that everything went equally well on the Raid. Perhaps if he had Faiz going with him he might be more confident, but he did have Tariq and he trusted the dark vizier to have his back. Everything would go smoothly, and all too soon he would see his silver sultana once more. His heart settled and his mind calmed at the reminder of her words, when he took one last glance back he smiled.

Aysel would be there in his heart, nothing could keep him from returning to her, with sisters to help and keep her company. He owed it to her, to his heart.