***
{Inside The Projection}
The Pit.
It took longer than expected, but they eventually arrived.
Malik crouched behind a rocky outcrop, Safira right beside him, both staring down at the sight before them.
It wasn't a mine in the traditional sense. No, this place was a wound carved into the earth—a deep, sprawling pit of jagged rock dropping down into darkness.
Sure, it was nothing compared to Al-Fawra—that thing's on a whole other level—but still, this one was pretty damn big.
Layers of wooden scaffolding clung to the sides, an afterthought of sorts, while crude rope bridges stretched across the gaping void and massive pulleys hung over it all, suspending metal cages that carried workers up and down.
Unsurprisingly, the place hummed with activity.
Many figures moved along the paths, torches casting light on their faces—tired, hollow-eyed men and women, their bodies caked in sand and sweat.
Fragments of glass were carried on their backs, held in sacks of cloth.
