Round 246

Jeane moved first, still reeling from the backlash of her failed binding circle attempt. The massive orb pulsed ominously, filling the chamber with unseen energy and making the air crackle. Seraphine lay prone on the stone floor, her eyes glowing with unnatural light matching the artifact's.

"Merrin," Jeane hissed, barely audible over the groaning structure, "we can't trust anything she says—not with that thing controlling her mind." She clutched her head, vision still blurred and thoughts scattered. "She doesn't know what she's leading us into—probably a death trap."

The halfling woman nodded grimly, eyes fixed on Seraphine. "I know," Merrin replied, voice tight, "but we can't just leave her here." She shifted her weight, gear clinking softly. "We need to find a way out before the whole place collapses."

Jeane's eyes flashed with renewed determination despite exhaustion. "Fine," she growled, "but smartly." She drew her heavy mace. "You keep that crossbow ready—shoot first if Seraphine tries anything."

Merrin checked her weapon's load instinctively, the weight of their supplies pressing against her shoulders as she moved closer to Jeane for reassurance. The chamber groaned again, more dust raining down. Time was running out—they needed to act fast or be buried alive.

But first, they had to deal with the immediate threat posed by their once-trustworthy companion now under the dark spirit's influence.