Round 31

As they ascended the stairs, the air grew thick with an eerie silence. Silra's teal eyes narrowed as she sensed the weight of the city's secrets pressing down upon them. The sound of footsteps echoing from deeper within the ruins became louder, and a figure stepped into view, blocking their path – a city guard, his eyes fixed on them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and he asked gruffly, "Who are you, and what brings you to this forsaken place?" Sister Hale's steady gaze remained fixed on the pulsing ritual circle, her mind racing with warnings from Gravedigger Renn about the guard's presence.

Silra moved cautiously, stopping three paces from the guard – close enough for casual conversation but far enough for immediate distance if needed. Her fingers danced over the carved symbols on the new wall, tracing the glyphs with a careful touch. The air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, and she could feel her symbol pulse in response. Hale's eyes flicked towards Silra, her expression a mixture of concern and warning. "We should proceed," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. The guard's gaze darted between them, his face a mask of caution. "I'm afraid you'll have to go back down there," he said finally, his hand on the hilt of his sword tightening.