Round 66

The darkness of the ash-choked road outside Gravehill's ruined city seemed to swallow all sound, leaving only the faint echo of scuttling noise beneath the street. A massive chitinous limb clawed at the stone, its rhythmic bursts of ash spilling out in time with the increasing commotion. Gravedigger Renn whispered urgently to Sister Hale about the church, his words barely audible over the din.

Sister Hale strained against the unseen force pulling her back, her eyes locked onto Renn's as he struggled to free himself from the grip of whatever had its claws in him. The guard leader halted, hand on the hilt of his sword, and Sister Hale's gaze darted between him and Renn. A fresh burst of scuttling noise echoed from beneath the street, growing louder still.

The tension on the road tightened for a moment before the interruption refused to go away. Everyone was forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully. Sister Hale's voice cracked with effort and concern as she called out to Renn, "Renn! We're not leaving you!" The brick wall scraped her shoulder blades raw through fabric as she dug heels in, fighting whatever had its claws in him. A cold, strong grip dragged them both back into the shadows between buildings.

Sister Hale's free hand found the familiar shape of her holy symbol, a comforting presence in the midst of chaos. She gritted her teeth, determination and fear warring for dominance within her. Her eyes remained fixed on Renn, searching for any sign of reassurance or danger. The scuttling noise grew louder still, and with it, the sense of being trapped between the city guard and the unknown threat lurking beneath the streets.