Round 389

The chamber's stone walls groaned under immense pressure, fresh cracks snaking across the ancient rock face like veins bulging with strain. Dust sifted down in a thick gray rain, coating everything in a layer of gritty reality. Varikka stood alone now, the weight of Merrin's death pressing down on her like a physical burden. Her hands shook as she gripped her mace, the cold metal offering little comfort. Merrin... I'm so sorry, she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos around her. But there was no time to grieve.

She took a step back, the water lapping at her ankles with icy fingers. The ground beneath her feet continued to shudder and crack, and the roar of rushing water grew louder still.