Round 74

The air in the narrow passageway grows thick with the acrid smell of ozone, the hum of magical energy intensifying until it feels like teeth are vibrating against Merrin's skull. The sudden collapse behind them sends a shower of sparks and debris cascading down, coating everything in a thin layer of dust that tastes of age and decay. Serrine's scream tears through the oppressive silence, sharp and terrified.

Merrin lunges forward instinctively, her hand outstretched towards the falling woman. The floor gives way beneath Serrine with a sickening crack, a section crumbling away to reveal darkness below. "Serrine!" The rogue's cry echoes off the ancient stone walls, her voice raw with fear and desperation. She can see the terror in Serrine's eyes, the way her friend's lips form that single, chilling word: "Father..."

Varrika moves with the brutal efficiency of a veteran warrior, grabbing Serrine's arm and hauling her back onto solid ground with a grunt of effort. The healer is pale, trembling, her connection to the crystal below clearly exerting some horrifying influence. "Serrine," Varrika says, voice strained with genuine concern beneath the iron control, "can you walk? We need to find a way out of here—fast." Serrine nods weakly, though the motion seems to take considerable effort. "I... I think so..."