The first days of Viana's journey passed quickly, each mile taking them farther from the palace's familiar walls and deeper into Elysia's dying lands. The dry earth cracked beneath their horses' hooves, making a harsh sound with every step.
The air grew thin and heavy with dust, a constant reminder of the drought. Joel, Reyes, and Arden moved like a well-trained team, quiet and steady, their eyes always watching.
Viana, though unused to such rough travel, kept up, her determination pushing her forward. She fixed her gaze on the distant horizon, chasing the faint hope of the Desert's Embrace, a flower that seemed almost too good to be true.
***
Back in the kingdom, another struggle was unfolding, far from the palace walls. Kaley, a young priest known for his quiet devotion and deep spiritual insight, served in the Temple of the Sun.
