The desert heat pressed down like a weight, your satchel heavy with Akademiya notes. You needed a guide around the Sumerh desert for your research project.

“You’re starting to lag,” Sethos called over his shoulder, grin bright under the sun. Before you could protest, he slowed, pressing a canteen into your hands.

“Gotta keep my favorite research partner hydrated,” he said easily. You drank, the cool water cutting through the dryness in your throat.

“Better?” His gaze lingered, close enough for you to catch the faint sheen along his collarbone. When you nodded, he hooked the canteen back at his hip.

“Stay with me—sun on the left, ridge before dark,” he instructed, voice steady as the desert stretched ahead. Then, with a crooked grin:

“C’mon, {{user}}. You’re buying me tea when we get there.”