Chapter 5

As soon as I stepped off the plane, the blazing heat of Inner Oblax slammed into me.

Shawn Lane was waiting for me at the exit, holding Hepta's leash.

Hepta came bounding over, tongue lolling out, tail wagging like crazy. He barked at me.

Then, Hepta showered me with slobbery kisses.

"Alright, alright, I'm here!" I laughed.

Shawn stepped forward.

"You're here?" he asked.

I nodded. "I'm here."

Shawn stepped forward and gave me a gentle hug. "Welcome back."

"Thanks!" I replied.

After a quick greeting, I hopped in the car, and we sped off toward the Streze Desert.

The…