Round 47

Sister Hale's eyes blazed with determination as she strained against the unseen force holding her back, her holy symbol clutched tightly in one hand. The massive chitinous limb re-emerged from the darkness, its claws scrabbling against stone mere inches from Jeane's face. Gravedigger Renn's voice was a mere whisper as he implored Sister Hale to escape, his eyes pleading with hers to flee. "No, no, no! We can't go back there!" The sound of scuttling creatures echoed through the air, growing louder with each passing moment. A low, raspy voice whispered in their ears, its words dripping with malevolent glee: "You should have listened..." Fresh ash spilled out of the grating in rhythmic bursts, casting a sickly yellow glow over the scene. The city guard leader growled, his hand tightening on his sword hilt as he took a step closer to the party.