"Wait, wait, wait."
Safira took a step back, holding up her hands.
"Sandworms? Like… giant, man-eating, desert-dwelling worms?"
"Yes."
"And you're just okay with that?!"
"No."
Malik turned to face her, his expression unreadable.
"But we don't have a choice."
She opened her mouth to argue but stopped short, something in his eyes shutting her down.
"Stick close."
He stepped back onto the path.
"Wait, what's the Sand Walk?!"
She called after him, scrambling to keep up.
"We'll see."
Her stomach dropped.
That was never a good answer.
Once they got down the dune, still behind the sign, Malik scanned the distance, picking out a path.
Behind him, Safira shielded her eyes from the sand's glare.
"And beyond this is… what? That 'airlift' thing from the notes?"
Malik nodded.
"The book called it 'Zephyr's Ascension.'"
"Sounds fancy."
"Yeah, well, try to keep your complaints quiet, or you'll wake the worms."
He walked ahead, passing the sign.
"T-Teach—"
