Round 5

As Jeane's fingers completed their circuit of the runes, her expression shifted from analytical focus to a darker recognition. She straightened slowly, her bat-like wings rustling, and faced the party with an expression of controlled urgency that didn't quite hide its underlying chill. The spell within the gate was no mere barrier, but a ward designed to drain life from intruders. Seraphine rose from her crouch, her heart hammering against her ribs as she met Jeane's gaze. "The runes... they're more than just a lock. They're a ward," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coiling in her gut. The ward was hungry, and it seemed to be feeding on their presence.