trials of the sand

The gates of the Targari stronghold loomed ahead, rising from the golden dunes like a mirage turned to stone. For many of the prisoners, it was their first glimpse of the legendary desert fortress, a city thought to be impenetrable by even the mighty Kinks.

Leo remained silent, as he had since his capture, but his mind burned with thoughts. His mother's death, the prophecy, and now—this strange place, where warriors walked with a quiet confidence unlike anything he had seen before.

As the prisoners were led through the gates, the Targari warriors exchanged knowing glances. It was a ritual, one that had been repeated for generations. But today, something was different.

Then, a murmur of shock spread through the ranks.

Standing among the warriors who had returned from the desert were men they thought lost—prisoners who had been swallowed by the earthworms.

Cassian, who had been grumbling under his breath about the stink still clinging to him, stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened as he recognized some of the captives who had vanished into the sand. "By the gods… How are they—"

Segrit clapped him on the back, laughing. "Oh, you thought we were barbarians? That we just let visitors get eaten? Poor, clueless foreigner."

Cassian scowled. "Then what the hell was all that for?"

Segrit smirked. "A test." He gestured to the warriors who had stepped out of the shadows, leading the returned captives forward. "The earthworms only swallow the weak-hearted—the ones whose aura is too frail to stand among us. It's how we choose our warriors."

Cassian blinked. "So… they didn't die?"

Segrit shook his head. "No. The worms keep them safe, then bring them back to the city. There's a cleansing ceremony before they can truly join our ranks. If they survive the desert's judgment, they are worthy."

Leo listened, absorbing every word.

But Nayomi… she remained silent.

Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the moment when the ancient earthworm—the greatest of them all—had faced Leo.

The earthworm should have swallowed him. Its aura was stronger than any other creature in the desert. And yet, it recoiled from him.

Her fingers curled into fists.

What kind of heart does this man have?

And more importantly…

What fate does he carry?