Round 10

The wind died down as suddenly as it started, leaving an eerie stillness. The holy water bottle clattered to the floor, most of its contents splashed across the threshold in a pattern that looked deliberate—like someone drew a line on the stone.* The woman outside was frozen mid-step, phone hanging limp at her side. Her eyes were wide and fixed on what just happened, recording device forgotten for the moment.

Hera stepped into view, her voice steady despite the fear churning in her stomach. "Everyone please stay calm! There's no need for any emergency services." She tried to sound authoritative but not threatening, a delicate balance when addressing both an outside observer and her own potentially unhinged teammates.

Abby watched from her hiding place behind a pillar, heart hammering against her ribs as she heard Hera's voice. The magic crackling around Jeane's fingers had chilled her to the bone, but it was nothing compared to the sheer recklessness of what she'd just done. Silra is right—we need to get out of here before this goes any further. But when she peeked around the edge of the pillar...*

Halie stepped across the line of blessed water at the threshold—it felt wrong but necessary—and faced Jeane directly. Enough, she said, voice carrying authority despite her exhaustion. You're exposing us all with that display. To the woman outside—she raised both hands in a peaceful gesture. Sister, please come inside. We don't want this conversation happening where anyone can overhear or misunderstand.

Silra stepped back into the shadows of the sanctuary, eyes scanning every angle, every exit. This is already fucked, she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. The woman outside still had her phone out—she needed it gone before she called this in. If Jeane opened those wings again or did anything else flashy, they were done. Too messy for a direct approach. What's the play?*