Round 205

The walls had stopped their grotesque breathing entirely, the silence somehow more unsettling than the previous rhythm. A low hum filled the air, pulsing like a heartbeat counting down seconds until whatever was happening next began. Halie stumbled into the chamber, her movements jerky and uncoordinated—clear signs of the corruption spreading through her system faster than they'd anticipated. Her voice, when it came, was strained with effort and barely controlled panic.

"Hera! Don't go through that door!" She shouted, words echoing off the stone walls. "I'm maintaining distance for a reason—physical contact accelerates this shit dramatically." Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, fingers twitching uncontrollably as she fought to keep them functional. The divine light around her was dimming now, struggling against whatever malevolent force had taken root in her system.

Hera paused at the threshold of the doorway, one hand still gripping the metal handle. She glanced back at Halie, then down the stairs leading into darkness below. "What if Abby's down there? We can't just leave her." Her voice was tight with concern but also resolve—she knew the risks as well as anyone.

"I'm not suggesting we abandon her," Halie managed, each word a struggle as she fought to maintain consciousness and coordination. "But going through that door splits us into separate prey items exactly how this thing wants us. We need a better plan first." Her good hand fumbled in her pocket, pulling out a small notebook and pen—somehow managing to write despite the corruption's effects on her motor control.

Hera's grip tightened on the handle, torn between duty and tactical sense. The walls around them remained eerily still, that low hum growing stronger with each passing second.