"Nikita!" Tepi's voice cried as she and Vorac ran across the wide flower-filled meadow. I was glad to see them again, but then I saw Vorac raised her golden bow. I realized she was going to shoot the beast king and rushed forward to stop them.

"No, no, wait! Vorac, don't shoot!" I said, spreading my arms to block her. "He did not harm me!"

They halted at my words. Vorac lowered her bow again and exchange a glance with Tepi.

"Nikita, I think it's wise to stay away from the beast," Tepi said cautiously. Her body was still poised in a defensive stand. "If we keep him around any...