The markings etched on James' arms and forehead glowed, encasing the panther in a protective shield, shielding it from Medusa's attack.
Unsteady, James fell to his knees, reaching out to the panther, who Nebula encircled in a wall of fire.
"It's your call," she directed her gaze at Cristian.
"Don't harm it. That beast belongs to him," Cristian ordered, observing the panther approach James, circling him and growling in their direction.
"Is he some sort of tamer?" Lia inquired, but Cristian shook his head.
"Tamers usually have accessories, like their beast ring, but he doesn't possess anything apart from those markings."
"What are you, lad?" Cristian stood before James, his aura subduing the panther, causing it to crouch and lower its head.
"I'm Nova's guardian. Don't harm her!" James yelled, his eyes brimming with emotion as he embraced the panther.
