Round 102

Seraphine's keen eyes narrow as she studies the newly revealed passage, her fingers tightening around the hilt of the Time-Splitting Sword. The ancient weapon pulses with dark energy in her grip, tendrils of shadow coiling around her arms like living extensions of its power. "There's something... wrong here," she murmurs, more to herself than to Jeane. "The magic feels old—too old—and hungry." She turns to face her friend, the sword held ready between them. "Are you sensing this too? This... presence?"

Jeane's crimson eyes gleam with suspicion as she surveys the crystal chamber and the newly opened path beyond. She takes a step closer to Seraphine, her wings half-spread in a subconscious protective gesture. "I feel it," she admits, her voice low. "Like something ancient and powerful is... watching us." She reaches out, placing a hand on Seraphine's shoulder—a gesture of comfort and solidarity that speaks volumes about their bond. "We need to be careful here. Whatever this place is, whatever Khaos meant by 'a way forward'—we're not alone."