Kaiden examined his ladies and noted that the heat was already starting to take its toll. Even with their heightened physical attributes, trekking across loose sand while carrying weapons and armor was pure hell. The desert air was dry enough to sap the moisture straight from their bodies, and each gust of wind sent grains of sand stinging against their skin.
Their boots sank with every step, forcing them to constantly exert more energy just to stay upright. The sun above wasn't just hot—it was oppressive, like an anvil pressing down on their backs.
"Are we even moving forward?" Nyx muttered while shielding her face from the sun with a gloved hand.
Kaiden glanced over his shoulder. Their starting point was far behind them; the palm trees of the oasis were nowhere in sight. "We are. The pyramid just… doesn't look to be any closer."
"How very motivating," Luna deadpanned as beads of sweat formed on her temple.
