Dubai International Airport.
The sky above the Persian Gulf shimmered like molten gold as the A380, The Black Titan, descended gracefully through the early afternoon haze. The horizon glowed with the mirrored silhouettes of glass towers, their edges catching the desert light.
The aircraft touched down with a low, velvety roar. Its black fuselage gleamed like obsidian under the desert sun, reflecting streaks of light as it slowed along the runway and turned toward the private tarmac reserved for diplomatic and royal flights.
Inside the cabin, Liam stood near the window, one hand in his pocket, calm as ever. The others were quiet, their eyes fixed on the world outside. Even after sixteen hours of flight, the city's beauty made fatigue seem like a distant thought.
"Welcome to Dubai," Liam said softly, more to himself than to anyone else.
