Round 240

Merrin's eyes widen as she sees the pattern shift beneath Seraphine's fingers, the symbols glowing brighter with each touch. She takes an involuntary step back, her hand instinctively moving to the crossbow on her back. "Seraphine—" She starts, but Jeane cuts her off with a sharp gesture, her crimson eyes never leaving the artifact or Seraphine's face. "We need to know what this thing does before we start activating it," Jeane hisses, her voice tight with barely contained panic. The binding circle around the orb flickers again, and she grits her teeth, sweat beading on her forehead as she pours more magic into maintaining it. "The Keeper said patience was key—we don't need to rush into whatever trap this is set for us." She glances at Merrin, noting the halfling's nervous stance.* "Merrin, can you check the room for any other exits or hidden mechanisms? Something that might be connected to this artifact?"