The hunters raced across the arid desert atop sleds, their reins fastened to chthonidras burrowing beneath the sand. They sped through the sweltering heat, clouds of dust and dirt erupting in their wake.

  The Hunt Master led the group across the dunes, carving a path through the shifting sands toward their destination—a palm-frond oasis shimmering in the heat. He reined in sharply, bringing the chthonidra to a brisk stop. Without pause, he leaped from the sled, unfastened the bridle and reins, tucking them into the chthonidra's stomach. As the other hunters arrived, he withdrew his hand from the creature’s slimy, convulsing innards and signaled them to do the same.

  He briefly glanced around the oasis, confirming its safety before turning to address the group. "We'll rest here," he announced, his voice firm and steady. "Sax, Char, Ion, set up the tent and bring some food. The rest of you will keep watch."

  The Hunt Master's gaze lingered on Puty and Hutu before raising his hand to beckon them forward. Silently, the three hunters broke away, moving a short distance into the desert.

  Ion removed the bridle, glancing sideways as the Hunt Master stepped beyond the oasis's radius. He tugged absentmindedly at a strand of hair, sighing deeply as he stowed the sled and bridle. His fingers gently stroked the chthonidra's rough mandible before he gave a sharp whistle, dismissing it.

  Ion rose to his feet and dusted off his robe, his gaze searching for either Sax or Char.

  Ion rose to his feet, brushing the dust from his robe. His gaze swept over the surroundings, searching for either Sax or Char, eyes darting between the scattering of hunters.

  Suddenly, a commotion erupted among a circle of hunters closest to the oasis, their gazes fixed on something in their midst. Ion's eyes narrowed as curiosity took hold, and he began striding toward them to see what had captured their attention.

  As he rounded the group, a groan escaped him. His gaze landed on Char.

  He wrestled with his chthonidra, struggling to unbridle the uncooperative creature. It jerked its head violently, resisting his efforts, claws digging into the dirt as it attempted to burrow back into the ground.

  The hunters laughed, jeering at Char as he fought to maintain control.

  "Rub her head," Suio called, demonstrating with quick hand gestures. "That works with mine."

  "No, no," Reo objected, shaking his head. "Stroke her mandibles. That calms them down."

  "Just knock her on the head; show who's boss!" another shouted.

  "Stare into her eyes," a fourth suggested, his tone serious despite his twinkling eyes.

  Their voices meshed in a chaotic cacophony, each hunter certain their method was superior.

  Char’s movements grew more erratic as the chthonidra thrashed and twisted. Beads of sweat traced down his temple, and as if sensing Ion's presence he glanced up, eyes wide and pleading.

  Ion hesitated for just a moment before stepping forward.

  “Hold her head down,” Char instructed in a hushed voice as Ion squatted beside him, his hands already moving into place. Char focused on fiddling with the bridle, his fingers clumsy and rushed.

  Ion complied, pressing the chthonidra’s head firmly against the ground, straining against her resistance. Relief washed over him as Char finally removed the bridle.

  The moment of satisfaction was short-lived. The chthonidra seized the opportunity, jerking free from Ion’s grasp. Before either could react, it tunneled underground in a blur of movement and vanished.

  The Hunters groaned in unison, their exclamations and teasing remarks rippling through the group as they gradually dispersed.

  Char flung the bridle onto the ground with a frustrated grunt before sinking heavily onto the sand.

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  Ion dropped beside him, stretching his legs out with a sigh. "Still struggling with her?"

  Char tiredly rubbed his eyes. "She can't decide whether to listen or fight me. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. It shouldn’t be this hard. No one else has it this bad."

  Ion pushed himself to his feet and extended a hand. "Relax. You’ll get the hang of it," he said, his smile warm.

  Char's lips curved up as he clasped Ion’s hand, letting himself pull him upright. "Yeah. You’re right."

  Ion's gaze flitted around the oasis before settling on Sax struggling with the camp setup. He nodded toward the scene. "Let’s go. Looks like Sax could use some help—he keeps looking over."

  Char started forward but paused, glancing back at the pile of dusty sledding items. "Where should I keep them?" he queried, lightly brushing a speck of grim of the reins. "I doubt the chthonidra will come if I try summoning it again."

  Ion waved a hand dismissively as he strode ahead. "Just leave it by a tree or rock. It’ll be fine."

  Char nodded his confirmation, grabbing the items before safely stashing them away.

  Kipu stood before a jagged opening, its sides framed by worn, smooth rocks. Thin trails of sand trickled down its sides, carried by the desert wind. He raised his scarf against a sudden gust before starting down the cave, into a sloping tunnel.

  A few steps into the passage, Kipu was thrust into darkness, the shadows consuming the minuscule light trickling from the entrance. Nonetheless, he continued down, a guiding hand placed against the smooth rock surface of the wall.

  As Kipu walked down the passage, a faint light appeared ahead, growing brighter with each step. As the tunnel opened into a cavern, the soft glow of a lantern at its center revealed a slight, frail figure seated silently before its light.

  Despite Kipu's entry, the figure didn't turn around. Instead, they kept their gaze trained past the lantern, at a passage at the opposite end, muttering softly.

  "Kohtalo?" Kipu called, walking forward and tapping her shoulder.

  Kohtalo jumped in fright and turned sharply. "Kipu!" she exclaimed, stepping back. "Don't scare me like that."

  Kipu smiled and ruffled her hair. "I'll do as I like, but more importantly..." He put his hands on her shoulders. Who were you talking to?"

  “What do you mean?” Kohtalo said, brushing her hair back and avoiding his eyes.

  Kipu tilted her chin to face him. “You were saying something when I came in. Don’t think I didn’t hear you.”

  Kohtalo swallowed and let out a nervous giggle. “Oh, that,” she mumbled, her fingers fidgeting with her hair. “It’s nothing. The Elder was just here. You probably heard me talking to him.”

  Kipu fixed her with a disbelieving gaze. "Really? Your voice didn't seem loud enough for—"

  “Oh!” Kohtalo interrupted, her voice rising as she backed away. “The Elder left something for you. I’ll go get it!” Without waiting for a response, she darted into the passage, her voice echoing faintly as she called, “Wait here!”

  She returned moments later with a small grass basket. As Kipu accepted it, he reached inside and withdrew a pouch marked with numeric symbols, tracing them with his fingers as he turned it over.

  Kohtalo bent to pick up the lantern and turned to Kipu. “You know you have to be careful with this, right?” She reached into the basket and pulled out a small, furled scroll. “This tells who gets what and how they’re supposed to use it.” She carefully tucked the scroll back into the basket, her gaze momentarily flickered away before returning. “Just... make sure each pouch goes to the right person, okay?” she finished, her voice trailing off.

  Kipu nodded, pushing the scroll deeper into the basket. He raised his head and frowned, his gaze lingering on her pale face and dull blonde hair. Gently, he brushed a strand from her cheek and frowned. “Don’t worry about that. Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and concern etched in his features.

  Kohtalo’s eyes drifted past him, her gaze distant and unfocused. Slowly, her brows knit together, and her lips curved downward into a frown.

  Kipu gripped her shoulders and gave them a light shake, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Kohtalo, didn’t you hear me?”

  “Huh?” she muttered, her fists clenching at her sides as her gaze flicked over his shoulder.

  Kipu turned and scanned the empty chamber, his brow furrowing. He looked back at her, his voice sharper. “What are you looking at—”

  Kohtalo’s gaze snapped back to him, and she forced a strained smile. “It’s nothing.” She stepped forward and gave him a light push. “You should go now. I need to get back to the Elder and finish my work.”

  Kipu hesitated, lingering as he turned toward the tunnel. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Kohtalo’s grip tightened around the lantern’s handle, her knuckles whitening. Through gritted teeth, she replied, “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little pain in my head. It’s nothing to worry about.”

  Kipu frowned. “I hope you told the Elder?”

  “I will, once I’m back,” she said quickly, her gaze drifting away again. She edged toward the opposite passage, her expression distant.

  “Alright,” Kipu replied, nodding despite the lingering concern in his eyes. He turned and strode toward the tunnel. Within moments, his figure disappeared into the shadows.

  As the echoes of his footsteps faded, Kohtalo let out a long sigh of relief. Suddenly, mid-motion, Kohtalo paused. Her gaze darted to the left, narrowing. “You think that was funny?” she hissed, her voice low and sharp. “What was our deal?”

  The chamber was silent, but her eyes stayed fixed on the shadows. Her hands began to tremble. “Never do that again,” she said curtly, her words clipped. “I won’t forgive you if you do.”

  Her head snapped forward, and with cheeks flushed with anger, she stormed into the tunnel, the lantern swinging at her side.