Round 159

The platform bucks like a wild horse beneath them, stone groaning in protest as the ancient magic tears at its structure. Varrika and Merrin cling to the crumbling edge, fingers digging into smooth crystal as the ground tilts impossibly steep. The air crackles with energy, pressing in heavy and wrong around them.

Varrika’s voice comes out strained, barely more than a grunt. “Merrin! Grab onto me!”

The halfling scrambles forward, hands reaching for the dwarf’s outstretched arm just as another violent tremor shakes the platform. Their combined weight shifts dangerously, and Merrin feels her stomach lurch as they both slide several inches down the sloping crystal.

“Hold on!” Varrika grunts, her grip tightening around Merrin’s wrist.*