Round 174

The walls' synchronized breathing stops abruptly, replaced by a low pulsing hum that vibrates through the stone itself like a heartbeat counting down seconds until the next phase shift. Halie edges closer to the open corridor, her right arm corruption now at 99%—fingers twitching uncontrollably as she documents every second of the encroachment for whoever might find this place after her complete consumption in 72 hours estimated time remaining. The grinding plates shift rhythm again, now just 1 second from crushing anyone trapped between them.

Jeane maintains altitude above the pressure plates, arcane flame resistance dropping to 43% functional—every second counts when you're fighting against multiple timers. The insistent humming downstairs grows louder, walls seeming to lean in hungrily as one entity now rather than two distinct consciousnesses. Her arcane senses detect traces of Jeane's passage—divine magic signature fading quickly but still present if you know what to look for.

The plates complete their cycle and reverse direction again—closing with an ominous groan that vibrates through the stone itself. The space between them seals shut on...