Round 74

The ancient stone chamber seems to hold its breath as Merrin’s transformation reaches its apex, the air growing thick with dark energy that makes Halie’s skin prickle uncomfortably. She takes an involuntary step back, her eyes fixed on the intricate runes now pulsing across Merrin’s exposed skin like a living map of torment. The construct looming over their friend remains motionless, its presence alone enough to send chills down Halie’s spine as she grips her mace tighter. Suddenly, the precarious catwalk beneath them groans ominously, the sound of stressed wood and shifting stone breaking the tense silence. "We can’t stay here," Halie says urgently, her voice barely above a whisper despite the distance between them. "This whole structure will come down if we don't move soon." She glances around frantically for any alternative exit—there has to be another way out of this death trap before the entire chamber collapses on top of them.

Jeane watches the exchange from her position further back, her crimson eyes narrowed in concentration as she studies the magical energies at play. “Merrin,” she calls out, “if you can hear me—focus. Remember who we are to each other.” The runes pulsing on Merrin’s skin tell Jeane everything she needs to know: this binding isn't simple possession, but something far more complex and dangerous. She takes a measured step forward, her wings instinctively half-spreading before settling back against her pale skin.