Round 35

Seraphine moved through the dust-filled chamber with careful steps, her keen eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The weight of Merrin's unconscious form pressed against her chest, a constant reminder of the dangers they'd already faced. Her breath came in short gasps, each exhalation visible in the cold air as she struggled to maintain her composure.

The ancient stone walls seemed to close in around them, their surfaces covered in faded symbols and carvings that spoke of forgotten magics and long-gone civilizations. A faint glow emanated from somewhere deeper within the ruins, casting eerie shadows that danced across the crumbling architecture.

Varrika's voice cut through the oppressive silence, her words a welcome distraction from the growing dread that gnawed at Seraphine's insides. The warrior woman's suggestion was practical, but the thought of navigating those narrow passages with Merrin in tow filled Seraphine with trepidation. How could they possibly move swiftly enough to evade pursuit while carrying their injured friend?

And then there was Jeane, standing nearby with an expression that suggested she hadn't fully grasped the gravity of what had just transpired. The destruction of those wards had been reckless in the extreme, and Seraphine found herself struggling to contain her anger at the sorceress's carelessness.

No, they couldn't stay here. The rumble of shifting stone echoed again, closer this time, and Seraphine knew they needed to move. But where? And how? Her mind raced through possibilities, searching for a solution that would allow them to escape without resorting to direct combat with whatever horrors now stalked the ruins.

"Varrika," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper, "that passageway looks... treacherous." She adjusted Merrin's position in her arms, the elf woman's weight a constant reminder of their precarious situation. "Are you certain it's our best option?"