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."
