Round 208

Halie's voice echoed off the ancient stone walls, strained with barely controlled panic. "Hera! Don't go through that door!" She shouted, words bouncing back in the oppressive silence before fading into the low thrumming pulse that filled the chamber.

The divine light surrounding her was dimming now, flickering like a candle flame struggling against a strong breeze. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, fingers twitching uncontrollably as she fought to maintain functional control over her own body. The corruption had spread faster than they'd anticipated—visible now as pale grey tendrils snaking up her arms and legs beneath her sleeves and pants.

"I'm maintaining distance for a reason," Halie continued, voice tight with effort. "Physical contact accelerates this shit dramatically." She stumbled back against the far wall, putting as much space between herself and Hera as the small chamber allowed. Her vision was already compromised—she could barely make out her friend's silhouette in the gloom.

The walls around them had stopped their grotesque breathing entirely now, the sudden silence somehow more menacing than the previous rhythm. A low hum filled the air instead, pulsing like a heartbeat counting down seconds until whatever was happening next began. Halie knew she didn't have much time left—her coordination was already deteriorating in her right arm, fingers twitching uncontrollably as the spreading rot reached deeper nerve tissue.

Hera paused at the threshold of the doorway, clearly torn between following her friend's warning and investigating whatever lay beyond. The ancient stone frame seemed to pulse with anticipation, living tissue moving beneath the surface in ways that had nothing to do with natural growth.