Round 196

The glyphs on the floor ignite with fresh fury, their geometric patterns twisting into something that looks almost alive—as if the stone itself is screaming in pain or ecstasy. The light from them casts stark shadows across Jeane's face, highlighting her grim determination even as she staggers under the strain of containing whatever force is trying to break free.

"Something's wrong," she gasps, her wings beating uselessly against air that feels thick and resistant—as if the very atmosphere is pressing in on them now. "The magic—it's not responding right." She clenches her fists, tendons standing out on her forearms as she fights to maintain control over the wards that shimmer and waver around them.

Abby presses herself against the wall—no, not a wall, she reminds herself with a jolt of fear. It's slick and smooth like skin, pulsing faintly with some internal rhythm that makes her skin crawl. The scent from the newly opened tunnel grows stronger, carrying with it a musky odor that seems to cling to her clothes and hair, making her feel unclean somehow.

A sound echoes through the darkness beyond—the low rumble of something massive moving through water. It grows louder with each passing second, and Abby's heart races faster in response. Whatever it is, it's coming this way—and fast.

Jeane's head snaps toward the sound, her crimson eyes narrowing as she listens intently. "We need to move," she says, her voice tight with urgency. "Now."