Nuru

“Mother! Please. Don’t leave me,” the young lioness sobbed.
“It is my time, Nuru. The sickness has-” Her mother gasped for air. She looked into her mother’s glowing eyes. Gazed worryingly at the woman who had raised her. Taught her everything. “The sickness is taking me. You must fulfill your calling.”
“I’m not ready. I need more training!”
“There’s no time, sweet child. The fate... of the pride... is...” With her voice fading and her breath slowing, Nuru cried. As her mother took her last breath, a sharp pain shot behind her eyes. Hot tears streamed and she screamed, her vision growing a blinding white. The transformation was painful, but only for a moment. She shut her eyes tightly, the weight of her calling weighing heavily on her small shoulders.
“I’ll do you proud, mother,” she whispered haltingly. Nuru rested her head gently against her mother’s then pulled back. When she opened her eyes, they glowed. “I will be the seer the pride needs me to be.”

The memory cleared, leaving Nuru lightheaded. Despite it being years she could still distinctly recall the feeling- the burning she felt when the sight consumed her. She hoped her mother was proud of her.