Nina’s bonded mates were the first to step forward and test the boundary.

Each of them hoped—fiercely—that they would be able to pass. If Nina could enter, they wanted to be at her side... to help her seize the Star Source, to protect her no matter what lay ahead.

But after one attempt after another, the result was the same.

Not a single one of them—none of her bonded mates—could cross.

Then it was Dian’s turn.

To everyone’s surprise, he walked through effortlessly, as if nothing had blocked him at all.

He took a few steps in, then stopped, waiting just beyond the invisible threshold.

Aviel frowned, frustration and unease flickering across his face.

"Why can Dian get through, but we can’t?"

If Nina went in later... they wouldn’t be able to protect her.

And among them, Dian was the least powerful. How could they not worry?

Odian’s brows were tightly drawn.

"I don’t understand what conditions this barrier is based on."

They were all different in strength, abilities, even backgrounds—yet all of them had been denied.

And Dian had passed with ease.

Why?

Mino’s eyes were filled with concern. "If none of us can enter... how are we supposed to help Nina obtain the Star Source?"

If only he could go.

Nina’s brows knit slightly.

None of them can pass... then what about me?

Seeing Dian make it through, Lex felt a flicker of hope.

If Dian could do it... maybe he could too. After all, they were the most alike.

He glanced at Nina. He had long wanted to do something for her—truly do something.

All this time by her side, yet never once had he been able to stand for her in any meaningful way. It had weighed on him more than he cared to admit.

Maybe this time... he could finally change that.

No matter the cost.

"I’ll try," he said.

He stepped forward toward the boundary. But after only a few paces, he stopped. He couldn’t move any further.

Lex clenched his teeth, veins standing out at his temples. His gaze locked forward, desperate and unwilling to give up.

But his legs felt like they were filled with lead.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t take another step.

"Let it go," Odian said softly, a sigh in his voice.

Lex tried several more times.

In the end... he had no choice but to give up.

He lowered his head and walked back, disappointment weighing heavily on him.

Why not me...?

Why won’t the Beast God give me even one chance...?

Dian watched him, unsure how to offer comfort.

Nina stepped closer to Lex. "It’s okay. A lot of people couldn’t get through."

"...Mm." Lex forced a small smile and nodded.

Her coming to comfort him personally... eased something in his chest.

"I’ll try too," Yanai stepped forward. And, just like Dian, passed through without resistance.

A flicker of joy lit his eyes. He would help Nina obtain the Star Source.

Mino smiled faintly.

Yanai was strong. With him inside, their chances improved.

Idir stepped forward next.

He couldn’t pass. He retreated quietly, a trace of regret in his eyes.

Setan tried again. Still no use.

One by one, the remaining males stepped forward.

One by one... they all failed.

In the end, only two stood beyond the boundary: Dian and Yanai.

Odian’s frown deepened.

Why... only those two?

Now, only Nina and the cubs remained.

Nina glanced toward the other side, then gently handed the cubs over to her mates.

"I’ll try."

Finch hesitated, then spoke.

"Nina... maybe you shouldn’t go. Let Dian and the others handle it. They’re strong enough—they should be able to get the Star Source."

His voice carried unmistakable concern.

"Yes, Nina, with only two males protecting you, it’s still too dangerous," Kith said, his voice full of concern.

Sal took Nina’s hand. "Nina, why don’t we stay here and wait for Dian and the others?"

Even though their numbers were too few and the chances of obtaining the Star Source were slim, he would rather that than let Nina take such a risk. If more of them could pass through, he might feel at ease, but as things stood, he could not.

If they failed to obtain the Star Source, they could always think of another way.

"Nina, don’t come in," Dian said. "Yanai and I will find the Star Source. We’ll definitely bring it back to you."

"Nina, stay here and wait. Don’t take the risk. We can handle it," Yanai added.

Nina shook her head. "No, I want to try too."

She knew the inside would be filled with danger. With only the two of them, she worried they might not be able to handle it.

Her strength was greater than theirs. One more person meant one more chance. If she could enter, their chances of obtaining the Star Source would be higher.

As for the cubs, it was better to leave them behind with her mates. There was no need for them to face such danger, and with everyone here, she felt reassured.

"But..."

Her mates were all worried, but in the end, they could only support her decision.

"It’s fine. I’ll try first. I might not even be able to pass," Nina said gently.

She crouched down and stroked the cubs. "If Mama gets through, you have to stay here and listen to your fathers, alright?"

The cubs clung to her hands.

"Take us with you, Mama. We’re not afraid."

As long as they could stay with her, they feared nothing.

Nina kissed each of them. "This time, I can’t take you with me. Stay here and be good."

The cubs nodded reluctantly.

"We understand."

They kissed her in return.

"Come back soon, Mama. We’ll be waiting for you."

In their eyes, Nina was powerful enough to pass without question. That was why they were reluctant. They would have to be apart for a while.

Nina nodded softly, then turned and walked toward Dian and the others.

Behind her, her mates watched her back. Deep down, part of them wished she would not be able to pass.

But Nina stepped forward and crossed without difficulty.

She turned back and said, "Take good care of the cubs. I’ll come back as soon as I can."

Her mates nodded in unison.

"Don’t worry, we will. Be careful. We’ll be waiting for you."

Inside, they were filled with helplessness and unease. If only they could go with her.

The cubs’ eyes were already glistening.

"Be safe, Mama."

"Yanai, Dian, you must protect Nina," Odian said solemnly.

"We will," Dian replied.

Even if it cost him his life, he would protect her.

Yanai also nodded firmly. He would give everything to keep her safe.

Nina gave one last look at her mates and the cubs before walking forward with Dian and Yanai.

They continued to watch her retreating figure until it disappeared from sight. Only then did they lower their gazes, their spirits heavy.

The others were equally worried, all silently hoping that Nina would return safely.

They set up camp nearby, glancing from time to time in the direction she had gone, waiting for her return.

Yanai and Dian each held one of Nina’s hands as they walked forward.

The path was calm. Too calm.

Nina frowned slightly.

Why was everything so quiet?

A sense of unease crept into her heart. The calmer it seemed, the more danger might be lurking beneath the surface.

They walked deeper and deeper.

When they reached a massive withered tree, Dian and Yanai suddenly vanished from her side.