After finally finding a good place to hide inside the hole in an ancient tree, Medea analyzed its interior and noticed marks of claws. Fearing the place may have already been occupied, the women hurried out.
However, destiny was cruel to her; as soon as she stepped out, she was met by a monstrous creature.
Octavia, who was collecting plants and sticks, left everything on the ground and reacted immediately.
She held her hands together in prayer. "Divine Protection!"
A brilliant golden barrier blossomed close to her, just as the beast's claw crashed forward. The impact echoed like a bell throughout the forest. The barrier bent inward under the tremendous force, cracks spreading across its surface, but it held.
"We only have a few seconds!" Octavia shouted. "Medea, take our King and run! I'll buy as much time as I can!"
Despite the order and the urgency of the matter, Medea didn't move. She understood immediately that such a plan was meaningless.
