Round 164

Merrin’s quick hands grip the heavy iron bar tighter as she struggles against the creature’s grip. The icy water laps at her chin now, each surge bringing the threat of drowning closer. She can feel the thing’s strength ebbing and flowing around her, like a perverse heartbeat. A desperate plan forms in her mind - if she can just get enough leverage...

With a guttural cry, Merrin heaves the bar upward, aiming for what looks like the thickest concentration of tentacles. The iron connects with a sickening wet thud, and for a moment, the creature’s hold loosens. She doesn’t hesitate - with a powerful kick, she propels herself backwards through the water, gasping as her head breaks the surface.

Merrin treads water frantically, scanning the chamber for any sign of higher ground. Her teeth chatter violently from the cold, but adrenaline keeps her moving. There - a narrow ledge runs along one wall, just above the rising waterline. She swims towards it with desperate strokes, fingers scrabbling at the stone until she hauls herself up and onto solid rock.

Shivering uncontrollably now, Merrin leans against the wall and tries to catch her breath. The water in the chamber continues to rise, lapping hungrily at the edge of her newfound perch. She looks around, eyes wide with fear and determination. She needs to find a way out of this death trap - and fast.