Round 86

Merrin clung to the ledge above the rising floodwaters, her heart pounding in sync with the groans of the collapsing tower. The sound of Seraphine's staff light fading into the distance sent a fresh wave of worry through her exhausted mind. She knew the wizard was skilled, but the unknown dangers lurking in those new passages were far more terrifying than any beast they'd faced before.

The waters churned below, their surface occasionally disturbed by something unseen moving beneath. Merrin's sharp rogue eyes scanned the darkness, searching for any sign of movement or threat. She knew better than to trust her ears alone in this place—sound could deceive, especially in these echoing tunnels where every scream and scrape seemed to come from all directions at once.

Her grip tightened on the heavy mace as she shifted her weight, trying to find a more stable position on the precarious ledge. The stone felt slick under her boots, water already seeping between cracks in the rock face. She couldn't stay here much longer—the rising waters would eventually claim this perch too.

Find them before it's too late, she thought, the words echoing in her mind like a prayer. But where to start? The sounds of Varikka's muffled cries had long since faded into the cacophony of rushing water and collapsing stone. Seraphine was somewhere deeper within the tower's twisted insides, likely facing horrors Merrin couldn't even imagine.

And then there was Jeane—her friend, her ally, but also a constant reminder of the demonic presence they carried with them. In a place like this, where ancient magic pulsed through every stone and darkness seemed to have a life of its own, who knew what might be drawn to such power?

Focus, Merrin told herself, forcing her mind back to the immediate problem. She needed to find Varikka before whatever had dragged her under came looking for more prey. And she needed to assess that new passage Seraphine had discovered—who knew what horrors lay waiting in there now?