Round 204

The stone door ground open with agonizing slowness, revealing a tunnel beyond that was coated in a thick layer of saltwater-stained dust and cobwebs. The air that rushed out was cold and damp, carrying with it the distinct smell of seawater mixed with something else—something organic and faintly decaying. Jeane took an involuntary step back, her wings instinctively half-spreading for balance or defense.

Great, she muttered under her breath, one hand still clutching the ancient tome while the other reached back to make sure Halie was still behind her. A new adventure awaits. The glyphs above them pulsed faster now, their blue light reflecting off the wet stone surfaces of the newly revealed corridor in a way that made it look... alive.

What do you think? Jeane asked, not really expecting an answer from the human woman pressed against her back. She could feel Halie's rapid heartbeat through the thin fabric separating them, could hear the quick intake of breath as she tried to process their new predicament.

The books said something about 'ancient magical trials' and 'deadly consequences for failure,' Halie replied, her voice barely above a whisper. You think this counts?