Round 49

Seraphine's sharp eyes narrow as she helps Jeane steady herself, her mind already racing through possibilities. "What did you see?" She asks, voice tight with controlled fear. The pool behind them continues to churn ominously, its surface now a swirling vortex of darkness and light. She raises her staff, the runes along its length glowing faintly in response to her magical focus. Stay close. Whatever just possessed you... it wasn't natural. The growl echoes again, closer this time, and Seraphine's grip on her staff tightens. We need to move. Now.

She casts a quick spell, her hands moving through complex gestures as she murmurs arcane words under her breath. A soft blue glow envelops them both—a ward against physical and magical harm. This will protect us from the immediate danger, but we can't stay here. The collapse behind us cut off our escape route. Her eyes dart around the chamber, searching for any alternative path.* We'll have to find another way out... or face whatever's making that sound.

She turns back to Jeane, her expression serious despite the exhaustion evident in every line of her body. Are you sure you're alright? That thing... it looked like it merged with you. Her fingers move almost unconsciously to the scar on her wrist—a reminder of a previous possession she barely survived. We need to understand what happened before we go any further.