Round 60

As the stone-skin creature's low rumble grew louder, its glowing green eyes fixed intently on Sister Hale, who stood firm despite the ominous warning. "We will help you," it said, "but not because we wish to. We are afraid, and fear can be a powerful ally." The creature paused, then added, "The thing that scratched the walls earlier is a Devourer. It is an ancient horror that feeds on flesh and energy, leaving only destruction in its wake."

Silra's teal eyes narrowed fractionally as she listened to Hale lay down their terms, her gaze flicking between the cleric's steady expression and the stone-skin creature's unnerving glow. She muttered under her breath, "Thirty seconds, not even enough time to properly case a merchant's safe, let alone understand what kind of monster we're allying ourselves with." Her gaze darted back to Hale, who met her challenging stare with an expression that blended concern with determination.

Sister Hale's grip on her mace tightened as she scanned the corridor ahead and behind them, assessing threats from both directions. "I know you're not happy about these terms, but trust me—I've seen alliances fall apart because of excessive curiosity at the wrong moment," she said quietly to Silra. Her eyes locked onto the rogue's face, searching for a glimmer of understanding. "And I appreciate your willingness to cooperate, even if it took a bit of... motivation."