Round 128

The water closed over Merrin's head, darkness enveloping her vision. She opened her eyes wide against the stinging salt, peering through the murky greenish-black depths. At first, she saw nothing but shifting shadows and the faint outline of submerged rocks. Then— movement. A figure, pale and blurred, drifting just beyond her reach.

She kicked harder, propelling herself forward with powerful strokes. The water resistance fought back, but adrenaline fueled her muscles. Closer now, she could make out details: long hair splaying in the current, limbs limp and unresisting.

It was Seraphine. And she was not moving.

Merrin surged forward the last few feet, wrapping one arm around her friend's torso while keeping a firm grip on her weapon with the other. She began to kick for the surface, hauling Seraphine alongside her. The weight was immense, but desperation lent her strength.

The water pressure increased exponentially as they ascended, and the structural collapse grew closer with each passing moment. But Merrin knew she couldn't afford to lose focus now. Not when Seraphine's life hung in the balance.

They broke through the water simultaneously, gasping for air in unison. Merrin quickly scanned their surroundings, taking in the scene with practiced efficiency.

The massive underground lake stretched out before them, its depths hidden by swirling currents and a thick layer of mist. The skeletal remains scattered across its shores seemed to grin at them malevolently, while the glowing eyes set into the walls pulsed with an ominous rhythm.

But it was the newly revealed secret passage that truly caught her attention—a dark opening in the far wall, barely visible through the mist and darkness. It beckoned like a gaping maw, promising escape or perhaps something far more dangerous.

She could hear Varikka's muffled cries echoing from somewhere below them, a chilling reminder of their friend trapped in the depths with that... thing. The thought sent a fresh wave of fear through her, but she pushed it aside.

First things first—they needed to get out of this water and assess the situation before deciding their next move. And they needed to do it fast, because the structural collapse was getting closer with each passing second.

She helped Seraphine back onto solid ground, her eyes darting around for any signs of immediate threat. The elf woman was soaked and shivering, but alive—that was what mattered most right now.

"What happened?" Merrin demanded, her voice barely above a whisper as she scanned the area for potential exits or hiding spots. "And where did that scream come from?"

Seraphine coughed and sputtered, trying to catch her breath while simultaneously rubbing warmth back into her arms. "I... I fell," she gasped between shudders. "The ground gave way beneath me, and I ended up in the water. I couldn't see anything down there—it was too dark and cold."

Merrin's grip tightened on her mace as she processed this information. Another hidden danger—of course there was. This whole damn place was a deathtrap designed by some sadistic architect with too much time on his hands.

"But you heard that scream too, right?" she pressed, her eyes never stopping their sweep of the area. "It sounded like it came from down below us—like maybe Varikka's in trouble?"

Seraphine nodded grimly, her expression mirroring Merrin's concern. "We have to help her," she said firmly, even as another shudder wracked her body. "But first, we need to get warm and dry before we freeze to death up here."

Merrin couldn't argue with that logic—hypothermia would only make their situation worse. But every passing moment felt like an eternity when their friend was potentially in danger.

"Alright," she finally agreed, her eyes still roving the area for any sign of movement or threat. "But we do it quick and quiet. And we need to decide whether to investigate that new passage or try to find a way down to Varikka before we go anywhere."

Seraphine met her gaze with determination despite her shivering form. "I'll be fine once I warm up," she insisted. "We can't leave Varikka down there alone—whatever's happening to her, we need to help."

Merrin felt a surge of pride at Seraphine's unwavering resolve. This was why they'd stuck together through all the dangers so far—they were more than just adventuring companions; they were family.

"Okay," she said with a quick nod. "But we stick together—no heroics, no reckless charges. We assess the situation first, then act based on what we know."

Seraphine managed a small smile despite her discomfort. "Agreed. Now let's find somewhere dry and warm before we freeze our asses off and become another set of bones for this place to claim."