Round 93

Merrin's grip tightened on her heavy mace as she backed away from the edge of the water, the creature's dark eyes boring into hers and sending a shiver down her spine. She could feel its malevolent presence washing over her, making her skin crawl. But she couldn't run—not with Seraphine trapped beneath the collapsing floor and Varikka struggling against the tentacled horror pulling her under. Every second counted now.

She took another step back, her eyes darting around the room, searching for any possible escape route. The entire structure groaned ominously above them, rubble falling with increasing frequency. They were running out of time. Her gaze fell on the newly revealed secret passage, the water inside it glowing with an eerie light. It could be a way out—or it could be leading straight into more trouble. But right now, it might be their best option.

Merrin made her decision quickly. She turned to Halie, her voice urgent. I'm going to check out that new passage. See if there's another way out of here before this whole place comes crashing down. Keep an eye on Varikka and be ready with that spell! With a final glance at the struggling rogue, Merrin plunged into the waist-deep water of the secret tunnel, her mace held high as she waded deeper into the unknown.*