Round 339

The water was relentless now, swirling around their ankles with terrifying speed as Merrin stumbled forward, half-supported by Varikka's firm grip. Every step sent fresh agony shooting up her leg—she could feel the bone grinding together beneath torn flesh, blood mixing with the icy flood threatening to claim them both. The sound of rushing water echoed from somewhere ahead, louder than should have been possible in this confined space. A gaping hole gaped before them in the stone wall, darkness yawning like an open mouth ready to swallow whatever remained of their luck.

"Stay close," Varikka growled, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of collapsing stone and churning water. Merrin nodded, teeth gritted against the pain, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other while the world seemed determined to tear itself apart around them. The ledge beneath their feet groaned like a dying beast with every step, more rubble cascading down from above as the entire chamber threatened to come crashing down upon them.

They reached the hole just as another section of wall gave way behind them, fresh stone and debris splashing into the rising water mere inches away. Merrin yelped despite herself— Varikka's grip tightened around her waist in response. "Move!" The halfing didn't need to be told twice. Together they stumbled through the opening and into the waiting darkness beyond, leaving behind the groaning ledge and hungry water as their only hope lay now in whatever unknown horrors awaited them deeper within the tower...