Round 205

Halie moved toward Jeane with careful, measured steps, her expression a mask of calm professionalism barely concealing the terror that gripped her insides. She'd seen many dangerous situations in her years as a cleric, but this felt different—far more personal and far more terrifying than any demonic encounter or divine wrath she'd faced before.

"Jeane," she said softly but firmly, "I know you're fighting something terrible right now. But I also know you're stronger than this." She met the other woman's eyes directly—the only person in the room who seemed willing to look past the monster and see her friend underneath—and held the gaze despite the fear that curdled in her stomach.

"You don't have to do this alone," Halie continued, her voice steady despite the adrenaline racing through her veins. "We'll find a way through together." She extended one hand toward Jeane—an offer of peace rather than violence—but stopped short of actually touching her. Too much risk right now.

"Talk to me," she urged. "Tell me what you need—anything at all that might help."

The gentle approach was a stark contrast to Silra’s harsh words and threatening posture, offering a lifeline instead of a death sentence. But could reason prevail against the primal forces warring inside Jeane? The clock was ticking—and not just metaphorically.