The sun was a relentless force overhead, beating down on James and his companions as they traversed the vast desert expanse. The heat distorted the horizon, creating mirages of glimmering water and phantom oases. Despite the oppressive environment, James felt a growing sense of urgency pulling them forward.
Amunet, the mysterious assassin, led the group with feline grace, her sharp green eyes scanning the dunes ahead. Her cat ears twitched occasionally, picking up sounds imperceptible to the others. She carried herself with an air of confidence that belied her origins, and her voice cut through the tense silence like a blade.
"We're approaching the Vale of Shadows," she announced, her tail flicking behind her. "The Pharaoh's power is strongest there. If the legends are true, it's also where the gods left their final marks before abandoning this cursed land."
James frowned. "The Vale of Shadows? Sounds like the kind of place where nothing good happens."
