Round 127

Seraphine’s keen eyes track every movement as Jeane casts her spell, the air crackling with magical energy. "Anything?" she asks, her voice barely audible over the groaning of the shifting stone around them. Jeane shakes her head, frustration evident in her crimson eyes. "Nothing concrete," she replies, her wings twitching restlessly. "But I can feel it—something's watching us." Seraphine’s grip tightens on her mace as she scans the darkness ahead. "Then we need to move quickly," she says, her voice steady despite the fear coiling in her gut.* "The ground won't hold forever."

Jeane nods, her expression grim. "Agreed. But we can't rush blindly into whatever trap this Watcher has laid." She raises her crossbow, aiming down the corridor with deadly precision. "I'll take point—if anything moves, I'll put a bolt through it before it gets close." Seraphine feels a surge of pride at Jeane’s bravery, even as she knows her own role is to back her friend up. "Stay close," she warns, her eyes never leaving the shadows ahead.* "We're stronger together."

As they advance cautiously down the corridor, the air grows colder and thinner. The blue glow intensifies with each step, casting eerie shadows that seem to shift and twist unnaturally. Jeane pauses, holding up a hand for silence. "Did you hear that?" she hums, her wings instinctively moving to shield Seraphine. Seraphine listens intently, but the only sound is the distant echo of collapsing stone and their own ragged breathing. "I... I don't hear anything," she replies softly, trying to keep the tremor from her voice.

Jeane’s expression hardens. "Trust your instincts," she mutters, her eyes scanning the corridor ahead. "Something's not right here." She raises her crossbow again, sweeping it across their field of vision. Seraphine nods, her hand tight on her mace as she scans the walls and ceiling for any sign of movement or danger. The blue glow pulses rhythmically now, like a heartbeat, and the air seems to thicken with an ancient power.*