Round 383

As the magical blast hits both women, Merrin staggers back against the wall, gasping for air as the dark energy washes over her. Her vision blurs briefly, and she feels an overwhelming urge to curl up on the ground and give in to the pain. But then she sees Varikka struggling to stand nearby, and something inside her snaps. With a guttural cry, Merrin forces herself upright once more, her dagger still clutched tightly in her hand.

"Varikka!" she shouts again, her voice hoarse with exertion. "Get back! It's too dangerous!"

Merrin knows she should be focusing on the Guardian, but all she can think about is getting Varikka to safety. The fighter may have been reckless in charging forward like that, but Merrin would do anything to protect her.

"Please," she begs, her voice cracking with emotion. "Just... just get away from it!"

She knows it's a futile request - Varikka wouldn't abandon them any more than Merrin would abandon her. But she has to try, has to find some way to keep the woman she loves safe from harm.

As the dark energy continues to swirl around them both, Merrin feels herself weakening. Her vision blurs again, and she struggles to stay conscious. But even as darkness creeps in at the edges of her mind, she keeps her eyes fixed on Varikka, willing the fighter to retreat to safety.