Sands of Fate

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The next morning broke quietly, the first rays of light slipping over the dunes, casting a soft golden hue across the sand. Solasra woke to the sound of Jahan's voice outside the tent, speaking with their father. The low murmur of their conversation blended with the quiet rustling of the wind against the tent's canvas.

Solasra pushed aside the thin blanket and stepped out into the cool morning air. Her father was already preparing for the day, his sword strapped to his side, as always. Jahan was sitting nearby, tightening the straps on his sandals. Their mother and Talia were still inside the tent, the smell of breakfast wafting out.

"Morning, little warrior," Jahan said with a teasing grin as Solasra joined them. "You sleep through the whole night without dreaming of danger?"

Solasra shot him a look but didn't answer. Instead, she sat beside him, her eyes drifting toward their father.

"We'll need more wood for the fire today," her father said without looking up. "And the water supplies are running low."

"I'll go," Solasra offered quickly, rising to her feet.

"I'll go with you," Jahan added, stretching. "I don't trust you to not get lost out there."

Solasra rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "I've never been lost in my life."

"That's what you think." Jahan chuckled, slinging a small pack over his shoulder.

Their father's gaze flickered between them, his brow furrowed slightly. "Don't stray too far. There's a storm brewing in the south."

Solasra paused, her hand hovering over the pack she had been readying.

"A storm?" she asked, glancing toward the horizon, where the sky remained clear, painted in soft morning hues. The idea of a storm unsettled her, though the skies gave no sign of danger yet.

Jahan smirked. "Father's always worried about storms. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see a cloud all day."

Their father's expression remained grim. "This storm's different. The winds have been shifting. Just be careful. Don't take any chances."

Solasra exchanged a look with Jahan, who only shrugged.

"Come on, little sister," Jahan said, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Let's get this over with before the great storm of doom hits us."

Solasra couldn't help but smile, shaking off her unease. They had faced worse than a simple storm. She followed Jahan, feeling the warmth of the rising sun against her back as they made their way toward the edge of the camp.