Leo the Lion lay nestled close to his mother, his heart pounding with the onset of night. "Why must the dark be so frightening?"

"Fear is faced little by little, Leo," she said, spiraling around him in a dance of light.

Leo hesitated at the edge of the clearing, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's just trees and bushes," he whispered, disbelief tinged with relief.

Leo took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his fear begin to lift. "See? The dark can be beautiful," Luma encouraged, her light twinkling like the stars above.

Leo sat back on his haunches, a newfound courage swelling within him. "I think I can be brave now," he declared, his voice steady.

Luma watched proudly as Leo roamed freely, his bravery a beacon in the night. "Thank you, Luma," Leo said, his heart full of gratitude.