The dust had barely begun to settle after the defeat of the skeletal lieutenant when the ominous rumbling intensified. The ground beneath James and his companions shifted, vibrating with an otherworldly pulse that seemed to emanate from deep within the desert itself. The air turned stiflingly heavy, carrying a faint metallic tang that set everyone on edge. Above them, the dark clouds churned violently, streaks of crimson lightning arcing through the sky.
James wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This isn't over. Resheph knows what we've done."
Sasha sheathed her sword momentarily, stepping beside him. "If that's his response, we're about to see the full extent of his wrath."
The Dragonkin warriors, led by Lynara, regrouped around James, their expressions a mix of determination and exhaustion. Lynara stepped forward, her eyes fierce despite the toll of the battle. "We're with you, James. Whatever Resheph throws at us, we'll stand strong."