Round 9

As the hammering at the front doors intensified, Sister Hale's eyes darted between her companions, her expression a mixture of determination and concern. Jeane's crimson gaze flashed with a burst of arcane energy, illuminating the dark interior of the church, revealing a figure huddled in the shadows. The air inside vibrated with anticipation as the hammering grew louder, and Silra's teal eyes remained fixed on the newly opened window, her mind still analyzing the subtle details of the ritual space within.

The sound of scuttling beneath the road echoed through the night air, its rhythmic pattern a stark contrast to the cacophony of hammering and rumbling from within the church. Sister Hale's hand tightened around her holy symbol, her grip a testament to her growing unease. "We must proceed with caution," she cautioned, her voice barely audible above the din. "Whatever is inside this church has been waiting for us specifically. The deliberate invitation through the window isn't just opportunistic; whoever orchestrated this knows exactly what we're capable of and wants us here for a reason."

Jeane's crimson eyes narrowed as she extended her arcane senses outward in focused tracing patterns, searching for any hidden threats or energies within the church. Silra remained low against the wall, her gaze tracking every detail of the newly revealed interior, her mind still assessing the possibilities behind the deliberate invitation. The stormy sky above seemed to darken further, as if reflecting the growing tension within the group.