The Morning Star

The sun blazed overhead as the traveler awoke, dazed and half-buried in hot sand. They sat up slowly, eyes locking on a massive temple rising from the desert, its weathered stone glowing faintly in the light. The air was heavy—still, but not quiet. Something unseen lingered. As the traveler stood, the shadows at the temple’s entrance seemed to shift, not with the wind, but with purpose. Whatever brought them here was waiting.