The Shattered Loop    

The heat of the desert air pressed against the group, the land stretching endlessly beneath a blazing sun. Sand swirled in the wind, whispering secrets of ages long past.

Aeloria, Theron, Liora, Trisha, and Cedrick from the Kingdom of Stars marched forward, their eyes scanning the distant dunes for any sign of the monolith. Their footsteps left brief imprints in the sand, only to be swept away by the wind moments later, as though the desert itself was trying to erase their presence.

Aeloria was the first to pause, her hand raised slightly, signaling the others to stop.

Theron, ever vigilant, instinctively placed a hand on his staff.

"What is it?" Cedrick asked, his voice low, yet sharp, his gaze flicking from Aeloria to the vast expanse ahead.