She's the Prince

Chapter 34

Haran Desert

The early dawn light bled into the horizon, casting a golden hue over the expansive desert. Ares squinted against the glaring rays, sand crunching under his boots as he walked beside fifteen soldiers, their faces solemn. Captain Callan, a constant shadow at his side, moved with calm determination. A gentle wind tugged at their cloaks, carrying the arid scent of the Haran Desert. The vast, untouched landscape stretched before them—a sea of sand, barren and endless, broken only by the distant cries of creatures Ares couldn't place.

He rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the blur of recent memories. The shimmering mirages on the horizon did little to help his focus. A sudden flicker in the sky caught his attention—strange birds, their wings glowing like embers. They were far too large, too vibrant, to be ordinary birds.

"What are those?" Ares asked, breaking the silence. His eyes followed one of the creatures as it danced against the rising sun, its feathers cascading like fire.

"Phoenixes," Callan replied, his gaze distant, as if such a sight were commonplace.

Ares turned sharply, disbelief creeping into his voice. "Phoenixes? You can't be serious. They're... mythical."

"Not here," Callan said with a faint smile. "In the Constellation State, they exist. Want to call one?"

Ares blinked, incredulous. "I can call them?"

"Use your fire," Callan urged, nodding toward the birds circling above.

Hesitant but curious, Ares opened his palm. A flicker of fire danced on his skin, its warmth swelling as he stretched his hand toward the heavens. To his astonishment, a phoenix dived down, its wings crackling with flames, and landed gracefully in his outstretched hand. The sensation was otherworldly—like holding a piece of the sun itself.

"By the gods," Ares whispered, mesmerized by the vibrant creature perched on his hand, its fiery reflection glinting in his eyes. The heat was intense but not painful, as though the phoenix recognized him as an equal.

"They don't usually trust so easily," Callan said, his voice tinged with respect. "It chose you."

Ares laughed in astonishment as the phoenix extended its wings and flew again, vanishing into the sky. For a fleeting moment, he felt... different, as if something within him had shifted.

"Let's keep moving," Callan's voice broke through the moment, pulling Ares back to the present. The soldiers exchanged curious glances but remained silent. The weight of the desert's silence pressed down as they resumed their journey.

***

By noon, the relentless sun had taken its toll. Their legs ached, and their skin felt tight under the scorching heat. Relief came as they reached a small stream, its cool waters gleaming like a gem amidst the barren landscape. The soldiers wasted no time, plunging into the water with laughter that echoed off the nearby rocks.

Ares and Callan sat beneath the sparse shade of a lone tree, grateful for the respite. Callan sliced a strange fruit with precision, handing a piece to Ares.

"How many days until we reach Skull Land?" Ares asked between bites of the sweet, unfamiliar fruit. "And why not use horses? Wouldn't that be faster?"

Callan shook his head, smiling faintly. "The paths are too treacherous for horses. In some parts... even the bravest steeds wouldn't dare cross. Besides," he added with a knowing glance, "you shouldn't know everything just yet. It'll only fuel your frustration."

Ares chuckled dryly. "Should I be worried?"

Callan laughed, though his eyes held a wary gleam. "Only if you let yourself think too much."

Their light banter did little to ease the growing tension within the group. As the day wore on, the trees of the Pan Forest gave way to the unforgiving sands of the Haran Desert. The ground cracked underfoot, the comforting greenery replaced by an oppressive expanse of golden dunes stretching endlessly.

"This place feels like another world," Ares muttered, shielding his face from the wind that scattered fine grains of sand into his eyes.

"It is," Callan replied. "The Haran Desert spans nearly two million square kilometers. Once we enter, there's no turning back."

***

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the dunes, the group stumbled upon an old, abandoned shack—an eerie sight in the middle of nowhere. Relief spread through the soldiers as they quickly gathered branches for a fire, their movements hurried under the rapidly cooling sky. Ares conjured a flame, watching the wood crackle and burn under his touch.

"Why is there a hut here?" Ares asked softly, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Perhaps travelers like us sought refuge," Callan mused, idly tracing patterns in the sand with his dagger.

The desert seemed to hold its breath as the fire crackled. The wind had died down, leaving behind an unnerving silence. Ares pulled his cloak tighter around himself, shivering in the sudden cold.

"It's freezing," he muttered.

Callan draped a blanket over Ares's shoulders with a smirk. "Even princes need warmth," he teased, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

Ares managed a laugh, but the lightness evaporated as a distant growl rumbled across the desert. His heart raced, and Callan was already on his feet, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"What was that?" Ares whispered, fear creeping into his voice.

"A spirit beast," Callan replied grimly, scanning the dark horizon. "It's close. Too close."

The ground trembled beneath their feet. Soldiers panicked when the desert shifted and rolled beneath them.

"Move!" Callan barked, drawing his sword. "It's coming fast."

Ares's instincts kicked in, adrenaline surging through his veins. He conjured fire in his hands, the flames flickering with his growing fear. "Is it like the serpent I fought before?"

"Worse," Callan growled. "Much worse."

The sand exploded, revealing a monstrous centipede-like creature, its body undulating with impossible speed, towering over it with rows of razor-sharp legs. Its stinger gleamed, dripping venom.

"Callan, the soldiers—" Ares began, panic rising. "They can't fight this thing!"

Callan yelled additional commands, sending the men away, leaving him and Ares alone against the beast. The centipede hissed, its eyes gleaming with malice as it lunged.

Ares dodged, hurling a ball of flame at the creature. It recoiled but quickly regained its momentum. "Its hide is too thick!" he growled, frustration gnawing at him.

Callan slashed at the beast, but his blade barely scratched its armored body. Ares's mind raced. The monster moved too rapidly and had dry skin.

"Water," Ares whispered. "It needs moisture to survive." His eyes narrowed as he formed a plan. "I know your weakness."

Summoning all his strength, Ares nocked an arrow, igniting it with a blaze so intense the air around him shimmered. He let it fly, watching as it pierced the centipede's exposed underbelly. Fire erupted, consuming the creature from within.

The desert trembled once more before the beast collapsed, lifeless.