Round 52

The ritual began, its power pulling at reality itself. The artifact pulsed, energy bleeding outwards in waves that made the very stones groan. Halie stood at its center, blue-grey eyes closed in concentration as she channeled ancient words of severance. "The bonds must be cut," she gasped between verses, her voice barely human. "This thing cannot touch us further." Silra stumbled back, teal eyes squeezed shut as if in pain. "It's fighting!" she cried out. "Something's trying to... unmake the connection between us!" The air crackled with power, the sweet smell intensifying into a mental assault. Jeane raised her rapier, flame guttering and dying despite the magic fueling it. "Halie—hurry!" she shouted over the groaning stone.* "I don't know how long I can hold this place back!"

Then came the flash—a blinding explosion of light that filled the chamber completely. When their vision cleared, the artifact lay shattered on the ground, its power spent. The sweet stink was gone, replaced by the dry dust of ancient stone. Silra blinked rapidly, teal eyes focusing as she felt... whole again. "It worked," she breathed in wonder. "The corruption is gone."