The first step onto the dunes felt... different.
The wind hit him hard, whipping past like it had been waiting for him.
Maybe it was welcoming him. Maybe it was warning him.
Either way, Malik just felt glad to finally be home.
Sand shifted beneath his boots, sliding, sinking, trying to pull him down.
He didn't care. His balance was better now—way better. And though he had gotten heavier, his steps were way lighter, if that made any sense.
So, sinking sand? That wasn't even close to making it on the list of things to worry about.
Malik looked up, staring directly at something he had so incredibly missed.
The Shams.
It was something that he had never expected to feel, but that was life. And life was full of surprises.
The golden glow in his eyes burned brighter, and then, he felt it. Really felt it.
The power was alive. Hungry. Ready.
Now he was somewhat of a powerhouse.
Whole. New. Reborn.
Hoooot.
Before he could explore that anymore, a low, deep sound resounded.
