Round 403

The ground beneath them shook violently, a sound like thunder rolling through the stone. Merrin’s eyes flew wide as she saw Varikka stumble from the collapsing passage, her friend’s face pale and drawn but alive. “Varikka!” she cried out, reaching for her with shaking hands. But there was no time for relief. The roar of rushing water grew louder by the second, and Merrin could feel the ground shaking worse as the tunnel began to collapse around them. “Varikka, we need to move now!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. “The tunnel is collapsing behind us, and the water pressure is getting worse by the second!”

As they spoke, the ground gave a loud creak, and more rock and debris came cascading down the passage. Varikka stumbled, but managed to catch herself against the wall just in time. “Are you alright?” Merrin asked, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to maintain her balance on the treacherous footing.