Round 217

Halie stood between Silra and Jeane, hands raised in a gesture meant to stop them both but clearly directed at Silra. "This isn't about risk assessment—this is about you trying to use our situation as an excuse for your own gratification." Her voice was stern despite the flush on her cheeks. "We can find another way to contain Jeane without resorting to... whatever this is supposed to be." She turned to face Jeane, who was now actively fighting against something Halie couldn't fully understand—some deeper nature clawing its way out. The building groaned again, a low rumble that vibrated through the floorboards. Plaster cracked audibly as the walls flexed outward another inch. They had maybe three minutes before the entire structure came down.