"Kyra... that female was truly amazing," Lara said softly to her other mates, who hadn't accompanied her during the contest. Her voice was filled with admiration and gratitude, though it was tinged with sadness. "Not only did she win the beauty contest, but she also saved Meeko. If she hadn't found us, I don't know what I would have done... My other offspring already died, and if I had lost Meeko too..." Her voice cracked as the weight of what could have been overwhelmed her, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Her mates immediately moved closer, wrapping her in their warm embrace. They held her tightly, their presence comforting and steady. "Don't worry, Lara," one of her mates whispered soothingly. "We will try again during your next heat. We won't give up."
