The first light of dawn crept over the sands, casting a thin, golden line across the horizon. As soon as the light touched the dunes, an eerie, primal reaction seized the ghoulish beings that had been trailing Malin, Abel, and Maya through the night. Their song of the lost—a haunting, lilting chant that had clung to the darkness like a curse—sputtered and faded as the creatures turned their hollow eyes toward the rising sun. The ghastly figures began to stagger back, their skeletal forms twisting in fear, almost as if the sun’s glow was a blade cutting through their shadowed existence.

  Malin looked over his shoulder, his heart pounding as he saw the creatures recoil, some dropping to their knees, their bony hands clawing at the air, trying to escape the inevitable sunlight. “They’re… they’re afraid of it!” he shouted to the others, his voice a mix of astonishment and relief. “The sun’s making them retreat!”

  Abel urged his lizard forward, shouting over his shoulder. “Then don’t slow down! Keep moving! We need to get out of their reach while we can!”

  Maya, riding alongside him, cast one last look at the creatures as they began to dissolve in the sun’s rays. “Look at them,” she muttered, half in wonder, half in horror. “They’re… disintegrating. As if the sun is burning them alive.”

  One ghoul in particular, a tall figure with rags fluttering off its brittle bones, let out a wailing hiss as the light washed over it. Its form wavered, its edges breaking apart like sand scattered by the wind. Malin’s eyes widened as he watched it crumble, vanishing into the air, leaving nothing but an empty, haunting echo that dissipated on the breeze.

  Malin felt a surge of exhilaration, mixed with a lingering fear. “Go, Yellow! Faster!” he called, leaning forward on his lizard’s back, gripping the reins as the beast lunged forward in response, its powerful legs kicking up clouds of sand.

  Maya, catching Malin’s urgency, laughed in relief, but there was a hint of tension in her voice. “Let’s not celebrate just yet, Baker Boy! We still need to make it over this dune!”

  Behind them, the creatures continued to dissolve one by one, each exposed to the sun’s unforgiving light. The last of them clawed desperately at the sand, trying to drag themselves back into the shadows that were swiftly disappearing. Abel stole a glance back, his expression grim but satisfied. “It’s like they’re dying,” he muttered, almost to himself. “The sun is… destroying them.”

  “Good!” Malin replied, breathless, unable to tear his eyes from the scene as the last of the creatures withered into nothingness. “I never want to see them again. Keep running!”

  As the trio crested the final dune, the light grew stronger, flooding the landscape with warmth and color. Ahead of them, perched above the vast sand sea, the city of Carabesh appeared, its outline shimmering like a beacon in the golden glow. The first buildings were bathed in soft light, their warm colors blooming to life under the sun. It felt as if the city itself were welcoming them, promising sanctuary after their long, harrowing journey through the dark.

  They slowed their pace, finally allowing their lizards to catch their breath. Malin wiped sweat from his brow, his chest heaving as he took in the sight. “We made it,” he whispered, wonder and relief flooding his voice. “Carabesh…”

  The city was even more breathtaking up close. Nestled between the protective embrace of towering mountains and the boundless desert, Carabesh gleamed like a jewel. The buildings, crafted from warm, earthen materials, were painted in hues of ochre, turquoise, and coral. Sunlit domes capped the rooftops, their mosaics gleaming in intricate patterns. Lush green date palms swayed gently along the riverbanks, framing the city with a vibrant touch of life amidst the otherwise barren landscape.

  The river that flowed along the city’s edge was a mirror for the dawn, its surface reflecting the golden light and the silhouettes of the buildings. Narrow streets twisted between the tall structures, bustling with the early stirrings of people preparing for another day. The air was filled with the distant sounds of the marketplace coming to life—merchants calling, laughter drifting through the narrow alleys, the hum of a city waking from its slumber.

  Maya exhaled, a smile breaking across her face. “After everything we’ve been through… this place feels like paradise,” she murmured. The exhaustion in her eyes was momentarily replaced by a sparkle of excitement. “It’s hard to believe we’re still in the desert.”

  Abel grinned, though his face was still pale from the night’s ordeal. “And we made it earlier than expected. That gives us some time to rest and plan.”

  Malin, still in awe of the city’s beauty, turned to Abel and Maya. “So… what now?”

  Abel’s expression grew serious. “We’ll rest here, but we need to be smart about it. Those things might have retreated, but they’ll come for us again as soon as night falls. We need to keep moving, stay ahead of them.”

  Maya nodded, looking between them. “We ride during the late afternoon, continue through the night, and stop only when dawn breaks. It’ll be exhausting, but it’s the only way we’ll survive.”

  Malin set his jaw, determination flashing in his eyes. “I’m ready. Whatever it takes.”

  Abel clapped a hand on his shoulder, offering a rare look of approval. “Good. Then let’s get some supplies and prepare. Carabesh is the last real haven we’ll see before we reach our destination.”

  They exchanged a glance of shared purpose, the trials of the desert forging a stronger bond between them. Together, they urged their lizards forward, descending the dune toward Carabesh’s welcoming embrace. The city’s gates loomed ahead, a promise of rest and respite before the next leg of their journey—a journey that would only grow more dangerous as they drew closer to their goal.

  For now, they had earned a moment’s peace, and in the heart of this vibrant oasis, they would gather their strength for the trials that lay ahead.

  The city of Carabesh rose before them as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm glow over the sandy dunes and illuminating the bustling oasis that lay nestled between the arid desert and the towering mountains. The ghoulish beings that had haunted them through the night began to dissipate, retreating from the light as if afraid of its cleansing power. Malin, Abel, and Maya watched in relief as the figures dissolved into the sand, their eerie song fading into the distance.

  “Good riddance,” Abel muttered, sheathing his sword and patting his lizard, Red, on its powerful neck. “Whatever those things were, at least the sun seems to keep them at bay.”

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  Malin, catching his breath, looked over his shoulder, ensuring none of the creatures lingered in the shadows. “I don’t know what they were… but if we keep moving by night and resting by day, they’ll have a hard time keeping up.”

  Maya nodded in agreement, her expression serious. “We’ll have to stay on the move. No more lingering. From now on, it’s survival.”

  Carabesh was an oasis of life and color, a paradise in the midst of the harsh desert. The buildings were painted in warm shades of ochre, red, and blue, their walls adorned with intricate patterns and mosaics that sparkled under the sunlight.

  Malin’s eyes widened in awe as they approached the city gates. “It’s beautiful… like something out of a dream.”

  “Enjoy it while you can,” Abel warned, his tone sobering. “Beyond this city, it’s nothing but wasteland and danger. No safe havens, no rest stops. Just us and the Mountains of Farim.”

  Malin’s face fell for a moment before his signature grin returned. “Well, if it’s going to be hell out there, at least we get a taste of paradise first, right?”

  They urged their lizards forward, weaving through the bustling streets until they arrived at the Adventurers' Guild—a sprawling structure with vibrant banners hanging from its walls and an inviting warmth emanating from within. They entered, instantly hit by the mingling aromas of spices and fresh food, and the low murmur of travellers sharing stories of their journeys.

  Behind the bar stood a young elven girl with striking emerald eyes and long golden hair, her slender figure moving gracefully as she tended to a few patrons. She noticed them and approached with a polite smile.

  “Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild,” she greeted them. “You look like you’ve been through quite the journey.”

  “You could say that,” Maya replied with a tired smile. “We’re looking for a place to rest, maybe some food.”

  The elven girl nodded understandingly. “We’ve got rooms available, and the kitchen is open. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” She led them to a table near the bar, where they collapsed gratefully into the seats. “I’ll bring you something to eat, and you can rest as long as you need.”

  Moments later, she returned with steaming plates of food, each dish a feast for the senses. There were skewers of tender, spiced meat, roasted vegetables, bowls of fluffy couscous with dates and nuts, and warm, freshly baked flatbreads accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces. A pitcher of cool, sweet mint tea completed the meal.

  Malin’s eyes lit up as he took in the spread before them. “This… this is amazing!” He didn’t waste a second, digging into the food with enthusiasm.

  Abel took a sip of the mint tea, savoring the refreshing taste, then turned to the others with a more serious expression. “Remember, this is the last real comfort we’ll have. Beyond Carabesh, we’re entering no man’s land. It’s going to be rough, and there’ll be no safe havens like this.”

  Malin paused mid-bite, his usual carefree demeanour slipping for a moment. But then, his grin returned. “Then let’s make the most of it, right? Besides, we’ve got each other. How bad could it be?”

  Abel chuckled, despite himself. “You’re either brave or foolish, Malin.”

  “Probably a bit of both,” Malin replied, winking at Maya, who rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a small smile.

  Maya sat quietly, her thoughts more pensive as she picked at her food. She glanced out the window, her mind drifting. This was as far as her orders had dictated. She was supposed to see Malin safely to Carabesh, nothing more. But now… she found herself questioning whether she should go further. The bond she’d formed with Malin and Abel tugged at her, making her hesitate.

  Meanwhile, Malin, in his usual fashion, noticed the lighthearted atmosphere was slipping. He turned to the elven girl at the counter, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

  “Hey,” he called out to her, “think you’d let me try something back there in the kitchen?”

  The girl looked surprised, but curious. “And what is it you’d like to try, exactly?”

  Malin leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk aimed at Abel. “I promised this guy the best bread he’s ever tasted. Thought I’d give it a go here, if you don’t mind?”

  The elven girl raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Are you a baker?”

  “Born and raised,” Malin replied proudly. “I might look like a wanderer, but back home, I was the best baker in the city. Just give me a chance, and I’ll prove it.”

  She smiled, giving a little nod. “Alright. Just don’t burn my kitchen down.”

  Malin jumped up eagerly, glancing back at Abel and Maya with a grin. “Prepare yourselves, because you’re about to taste the best bread in the kingdom.” With that, he headed toward the kitchen, ready to make good on his promise.

  Maya and Abel sat at the table in comfortable silence as they watched Malin eagerly head into the kitchen, his enthusiasm lighting up the room. Abel let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he glanced over at Maya.

  “So, you’re telling me he’s actually good at this?” he asked, a note of skepticism in his voice.

  Maya smirked, crossing her arms. “I’m telling you, he’s more than good. His bread could probably charm the scales off a serpent. I’ve had it before, and it’s… well, let’s just say it’s something you’ll remember.”

  Abel raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Fine, I’ll take your word for it—for now.” He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “About… earlier. When you said you would’ve followed me if I’d asked. I wanted to say… I’m sorry.”

  Maya’s expression softened, her defenses momentarily lowering. Abel held her gaze, his eyes earnest. “I know it wasn’t fair for me to make that decision for you. It should have been your choice. I see that now.”

  A moment of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and lingering emotions. Maya looked away, a slight, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of her lips. But before she could respond, Malin burst back into the room, his arms laden with fresh bread, a wide grin plastered across his face.

  “Alright, Prince Abel,” Malin announced confidently, setting the bread down on the table with a flourish. “If this is the best bread you’ve ever had, you have to give me your blessing to marry Nahra.”

  Abel rolled his eyes, chuckling as he picked up a piece of bread, clearly humoring Malin. “Fine, fine, let’s get this over with.”

  But as soon as he took a bite, Abel’s expression changed. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he was completely lost in the taste, savoring the soft texture and the rich, slightly sweet flavor that filled his mouth. The look on his face spoke volumes. Malin’s grin grew wider, triumphant.

  “Told you,” Malin said, nudging Maya with a wink.

  Maya reached over and took a piece as well, tasting it with a sense of nostalgia. She had missed this—this warmth, this familiar taste that felt like a connection to simpler times. As she ate, her thoughts drifted.

  This bread, this journey, these people, she thought, glancing at Malin, who was grinning at Abel’s astonished reaction, and then at Abel, who was still savoring the bread, clearly reluctant to admit he’d been impressed. They’ve somehow managed to break down the walls I’ve spent so long building. And now… there’s no turning back.

  She sighed internally, accepting what she knew in her heart was inevitable. I suppose this was Nahra’s plan all along. She knew I’d grow attached, that I’d come to care for these two fools. And now, even if it costs me everything—an arm, a leg, even my life—I’m going to see this through.

  Maya looked up, her resolve firm, as Malin and Abel continued to banter over the bread, completely unaware of the silent vow she had just made. She’d follow them through whatever dangers lay ahead.