Round 381

The air crackled with electricity as the Guardian summoned another bolt of dark energy, which hurtled towards Merrin with terrifying speed. She threw herself to the side, feeling the searing heat as it whizzed past her ear and slammed into the stone wall behind her, sending shards of rock flying.

"Varikka!" Merrin shouted, scrambling to her feet and lunging towards the fighter. "We need to get out of here!" But as she reached for Varikka's hand, the Guardian raised its arm once more, a fresh wave of dark energy swirling around them. Merrin felt it like a physical force, pushing against her, making it nearly impossible to move.

"Merrin!" Varikka cried out, her eyes wide with pain and fear as she struggled against the dark energy binding her. "Run! Save yourself!"

But Merrin couldn't abandon her friend. She gritted her teeth and fought against the magical force, inching closer to Varikka despite the resistance. "Not a chance," she growled, finally reaching the fighter and grabbing her hand. With a mighty heave, she pulled Varikka free from the energy's grip.

The two women stumbled backwards, away from the Guardian, their hearts pounding in their chests. They knew they needed to find higher ground or a heat source soon, or they'd both freeze to death in this icy tomb. But first, they had to put some distance between themselves and the terrifying creature that still pursued them.

"Come on," Merrin said, tugging on Varikka's hand. "Let's get out of here." Together, they ran deeper into the frozen tunnels, the tapping sound of water growing louder with each step.