Round 105

The water from the broken shower stall rises fast around Hera's ankles, turning the bathroom floor into a treacherous sheet of ice. She braces herself against the door, mirror jammed under the handle, but every movement sends her sliding half an inch across the slick surface. The building groans ominously again—louder this time—and she feels the structure shift beneath her feet.

Across the small space, Jeane maintains her barrier spell with visible effort, sweat beading on her pale skin as she channels power that pulses in time with the wardstone's rhythm. Her crimson eyes are wide and desperate as they flick between Hera's precarious position and Halie's blazing shield arm. "Silra! Get that mirror deeper!" she snaps, voice cracking with urgency. "Hera, switch with me—you're shaking so hard you'll lose your grip." Her gaze locks onto Halie next. "And you... what the fuck are you doing? I need that barrier up!"

The wardstone pulses accelerate again, faster now—and the entire bathroom shudders as if struck from without. More cracks race across the floor and a section near the door begins to sag ominously. They have seconds before the whole room gives way completely.