Episode 3 · Aria, Kael, Ronan
Weak and depleted by the river, Aria overhears lion beastmen discussing a feast and heads to their camp for food. She scavenges raw scraps in the square, but Ronan's mate Kira snatches the meat away. Aria tries to take it back, driving Kira to summon lethal magic against her. Aria resigns herself to death until a powerful serpent warrior blasts Kira away and catches Aria safely in his arms.
Aria sits by the riverbank as her strength drains away. Nearby, passing lion tribesmen talk about an upcoming feast with free food. Desperate for nourishment, Aria decides to follow them toward the Lion Tribe.
In the Lion Tribe square, a starving Aria sifts through a scrap pile and finds raw meat. Kira spots her immediately. She identifies the banished rabbit outsider and rips the food away.
Driven by hunger, Aria reaches out to grab the meat back. This defiance enrages Kira. The warrior gathers magical energy to execute the outsider. Helpless and exhausted, Aria closes her eyes and accepts death.
Before Kira can strike, a sudden magical blast slams into her and knocks her backward. A powerful serpent warrior appears instantly. He catches Aria in his arms before she falls to the ground.
“You're Aria, the foreign rabbit who appeared with that strange omen during the coming-of-age ceremony.”
“Today I'll celebrate Ronan becoming a Seventh-Crest Warrior with the blood of an outsider.”
“Are you all right?”
The golden-scaled serpent warrior with glowing eyes pulls a weeping Aria against his chest. He asks her if she is all right after saving her from Kira's deadly blow. Will Kira and the Lion Tribe attack this mysterious rescuer, or will the serpent warrior defend Aria against the pride?