Round 399

Merrin's stomach drops as the ground beneath her gives way with a sickening crack. She throws herself backward just in time to avoid being crushed by the collapsing stone, but the movement sends her stumbling into the rising water. The cold liquid slams into her legs, threatening to sweep her off her feet. "Varikka!" she screams, her voice echoing off the chamber walls as she frantically scans the area for any sign of her companion. The tunnel Varikka disappeared into is already half-collapsed, a deadly avalanche of rock and debris pouring down its length. Merrin knows she should be searching for an alternative escape route, but she can't shake the feeling that something terrible has happened to her friend. With trembling hands, she draws her heavy mace, using it as a makeshift staff to keep her balance on the treacherous footing. The water is already up to her knees, and she can feel its pressure increasing with every passing second. "Varikka!" she calls out again, her voice cracking with fear and desperation.