Golden Storms

Darkness hangs heavy over the city of Tridari, broken only by the distant lights of the palace. Beyond the city's towering walls, the wind howls across the sand dunes. For three generations, Tridari has been a prison under the House of Akram. But tonight, a flicker of hope rides through the forest within the city walls. A nobleman, cloaked against the night, gallops on his steed, his young daughter held close. He reaches the guarded gates, where a silent Hashshashin awaits, a deal struck for passage. Outside, a party of defectors waits. The nobleman, Falaq's father, whispers a farewell to his sleeping child, entrusting her to the exiled general Hussein, with a final plea to be strong, brave, and to bring freedom back to their land.

Eighteen years later, in the town of Taghrid, you, Falaq, are dancing at a wedding, your golden eyes flashing with mischief, your movements full of life. Your cousin Ishtar dances with you, a picture of grace. Your uncle, Ustadh Hussein, calls for you, his presence a reminder of your true path, far from the carefree moments of a wedding.