The chariot trundled slowly over the hot, uneven sand, the scorching sun beating down relentlessly, when Lira's eyes caught something unusual. Among the spiky, hardy plants that dotted the sand, a subtle movement shifted.
At first, it looked like nothing more than another cactus-like plant swaying slightly in the wind. But then—its body tensed, limbs flexing with almost predatory intent. Lira's breath caught. A small, cat-like creature, its body covered in spikes like the surrounding plants, emerged. Its eyes gleamed sharply, scanning for any sign of prey. The creature's form was deceptively simple, perfectly camouflaged as part of the spiky flora, but its movement was fluid, deliberate, and terrifyingly precise.
It darted across the sand suddenly, small and quick, disappearing behind a dune before either Lira or Renkai could get a closer look. The way it moved—silent, swift, and perfectly adapted—spoke of a predator evolved for survival in harsh lands.
