Round 3

The ancient door groans open a crack, revealing a yawning chasm of darkness within the tower's heart. The scent that wafts out is cloying and ancient—dust and decay, mixed with an undercurrent of something else... something cold and wrong. Jeane steps closer to Seraphine, her wings rustling softly as they shift position against her back. The violet glow from the seals is intensifying now, pulsing faster with an almost frantic rhythm that matches the quickening of her own heartbeat.

Something's reacting to our presence, she murmurs, more to herself than anyone else. Halie freezes, the words dying on her lips as she stares at the opening door. The violet glow from those seals is indeed pulsing faster now, almost frantically, like a heart racing in panic or excitement.

This isn't right, she says softly, stepping back instinctively. Merrin feels a chill run down her spine at Halie's words, but she doesn't let it show in her expression. Ancient guardians bound by dark magic... undead defenders driven by hatred... The rogue in her knows all too well the dangers of meddling with forces they don't fully understand.

But the promise of treasure, of uncovering secrets lost to time, is a siren call she can't resist entirely. Seraphine feels a chill trace its way up her spine as the air grows thick with a palpable tension. She takes a measured step back, her eyes never leaving the darkness beyond the door.

We should proceed with extreme caution, she says, her voice barely above a whisper. The magic here is... wrong. Corrupted. Varrika moves closer to the door, her mace gripped tightly in her hands. The air is thick with anticipation and unease as Merrin and Seraphine work on the lock, their hushed voices barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

Halie's eyes dart between them, her holy symbol held high, ready to provide a burst of divine energy if needed. Jeane watches closely, her own magic coiling restlessly within her, eager for release but held in check by caution and uncertainty. The violet seal pulses faster—magical trap or guardian activation likely imminent.

Ancient door reveals yawning darkness with wrong scent—undead presence confirmed.