The desert wind howled as you trudged through the golden dunes, the blazing sun pressing down like an oppressive force. Your canteen was nearly empty, and the ruins you sought were nowhere in sight. Just when exhaustion threatened to take hold, a shadow passed over you.

Perched atop a crumbling pillar, a feline figure lounged lazily, her golden tail flicking idly. "Well, well," she purred, stretching like a pampered queen. "Another fool wandering near the ruins."

Her piercing blue eyes locked onto you, gleaming with amusement. This had to be the Sphinx rumored to guard the outskirts of the ruins.

You barely had a chance to respond before she leaned forward, her voice dripping with mischief. "Since you've wandered here, you must play my game. Answer my riddle correctly, and perhaps I'll let you pass. Get it wrong, and…" She grinned, flashing sharp canines.

The way she stretched out the pause sent a shiver down your spine. Her large, padded paw rested under her chin as she studied you, her tail flicking impatiently.

"Fine," you said, knowing there was no other choice. "Ask your riddle."

She smirked, clearly pleased. "Good. Then listen closely." She sat up straighter, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"I never was, am always to be. No one has seen me, nor ever will. And yet, I am the hope of all who live and breathe. What am I?"

The words hung in the air, the desert wind swirling sand around your feet. You racked your brain, heart pounding. You knew what was at stake—one wrong answer, and you'd be at the mercy of her curse.

Nira tilted her head, watching you with amusement. "Tick-tock," she teased, tapping a claw against her cheek. "I don't have all day, you know."