Shadows of the Akkadian Sphinx

The morning air was crisp, yet something felt different. As I went about my routine in my quiet home, an unsettling sense of anticipation coiled in my chest. Lately, my nights had been haunted by strange, vivid dreams-visions of standing before something vast, ancient, and incomprehensible. A force beyond human understanding, shrouded in time. I couldn't explain it, but deep down, I knew-I was meant to uncover its secrets. Pushing aside the lingering unease, I decided to stop by the office to review some documents. I hailed an Uber, grabbing a coffee from Starbucks on my way.

The streets of Cairo bustled with life, but my mind was elsewhere. There was something about these dreams, something I couldn't shake. Arriving at my office, I sifted through the files on my desk. One was from Priyathri Resources, another from the Earth Development Project. My fingers traced the edges of the papers, my thoughts lost in speculation, when my secretary, Amelia, knocked gently before stepping in. "You have a call, Dr. Salma. It's Mr. David Ashenden," she said, her expression curious. David? It had been years. We'd known each other since high school, but our paths had diverged-until now. I pressed the intercom. "David?" His voice came through, steady but urgent. "Nadia, I have information on the Sphinx." My breath caught. "The Sphinx? What do you mean? What information?" "You need to hear this in person. But first-do you know how long archaeologists, including your ancestors, have searched for the true secrets of the Sphinx?" His voice was tinged with excitement. "Of course I do," I replied, gripping the receiver. "My grandfather dedicated his life to it. But what could you possibly have that changes everything?" A pause. Then, in a lower, almost conspiratorial tone, he said, "I've found the axis location. The coordinates. And the key to unlocking what's hidden beneath the Sphinx." A shiver ran down my spine. Was this real? Could it be connected to my dreams? "David," I said carefully, "if this is true, we have to handle it right. We need a team, real experts. We can't let this fall into the wrong hands." "Agreed," he said. "But if we do this right, Nadia... we're going to be part of history." I exhaled slowly. My mind was racing. "We'll meet in Cairo. I'll assemble a team." After ending the call, I turned to Amelia. "Contact our best archaeologists. Keep this quiet-no media, no leaks. Get back to me as soon as you have confirmations." Within hours I have assembled a team Within hours, I had assembled a small but capable team. David, of course. Tariq Hassim, a bright young archaeologist with an appetite for adventure. Youssef Al-Fayed, a historian and linguist specializing in Akkadian history and Arabic best known in that area And two seasoned excavation experts. The flight was booked. The plan was set. Over the next few hours, responses trickled in. By evening, the team was set-just six of us, keeping the circle tight. all that remained was making arrangements for my daughter. But before I could embark on the journey, there was one more thing I needed to do. I picked up my daughter, Amelia, from school. She was only five, full of energy and boundless curiosity. "How was your day, habibti?" I asked as she climbed into the car. "It was good, Mama! I made a new friend today." I smiled, but my heart clenched. I hated leaving her, but she would be safe with my grandmother. At Nana Salma's house, I explained everything-well, almost everything. She listened carefully, nodding in that wise, knowing way she always did. "Your grandfather believed the Sphinx held secrets beyond our understanding," she said. "But secrets like these... they do not reveal themselves without a price." She kissed my forehead, whispering a prayer for protection. I held my daughter one last time before leaving, inhaling the soft scent of her hair. "Be good for Nana, okay?" She giggled. "Okay, Mama. Love you!" I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned away. At the airport, My team and I checked in, my mind buzzing with anticipation. When I boarded the plane, I was surprised to find David already in his seat-right next to mine. He looked up, smirking. "Well, this is convenient." I rolled my eyes, taking my seat. "I suppose we have a lot to discuss." For a moment, we just looked at each other. There was something unreadable in his gaze-something intense, like he knew this journey would change everything. And somehow, I knew it too. The shadows of the Akkadian Sphinx were waiting.