The gates of the settlement opened without resistance. A faint scent of blossoms drifted through the air — impossible for a desert night. The village shimmered faintly under the moonlight, every hut glowing with a soft, emerald hue.
It was perfect — and alive.
Jessie looked around, half-dazed. "This can't be real…"
The shorter girl smiled. "Real enough. You're lucky to stumble upon the Oasis."
Ash's critical mind wanted to analyze everything, but the warmth flooding his body dulled his edge.
They were guided toward a small house at the center. It looked more like a temple — it reminded Ash of his previous life. It stood beside a pool of water that mirrored the moonlight like liquid glass.
Jessie's eyes locked on the pool. "That's… actual water."
Ash stayed silent, scanning the horizon. The breeze here carried no sand, no chill — only a heavy, sweet scent of wet earth.
