Atlas started laughing when hearing Nala's dramatic greeting. He used Void Step to appear before the lioness, who quickly jumped on him and started licking his face in happiness as she spoke. 'It's good to see you. I want to see you more, Master.'
The massive lion persisted in lavishing Atlas with affection, its rough tongue swiping playfully across his face. Laughter bubbled up from him, uncontrollable as Cera appeared in the clearing.
'Why are you attacking the master like that?' the older monster commented in an amused tone.
Nala looked at the Scalebreaker and declared in a serious voice while shielding him with her giant paw. 'He's my cub! And I love him with all my heart, Cera.'
The words struck Atlas like a gentle thunderbolt, stirring his soul. He sat up, his arms wrapping around the lioness in a tender embrace, pressing his forehead to hers as her warm presence enveloped him.
