Two scorching days had passed since Alex had ventured into the ruined temple. Groans and metallic clangs echoed in the night, punctuated by the occasional pained roar.
Outside, the tethered Desert Horse stood patiently beside the still pool of water.
A couple, their faces weather-beaten and their clothes crusted with sand, stumbled upon the strange sight. Exhausted and parched from their trek through the unforgiving desert, the woman gasped, pointing towards the horse.
"There's someone, hun," she rasped, her voice hoarse.
"A horse..." the man echoed, his eyes widening at the sight of the magnificent creature.
His gaze then landed on the shimmering pool of water beside it. A flicker of hope ignited in his eyes. "Look, there's water! We could finally get ourselves something to drink."
"But... ah, the horse is already drinking it," the woman stammered, a touch of hesitation lingering in her voice. "Does that mean it's safe?"
