Round 514

The moment they clear the passage, Merrin's relief is palpable, though short-lived. The sound of rushing water intensifies, and a fresh wave of noxious gas hits them like a physical blow. She coughs, eyes watering, but doesn't slow down. "Come on!" she urges Varrika, half-dragging the dwarf woman toward what looks like a narrow staircase leading up.

Varrika stumbles, her face contorted in pain with each step. "My ankle," she grits out through clenched teeth. "It's not going to hold much more weight." But she doesn't stop moving, driven by sheer terror of being swallowed by the rising waters below.

The stone groans ominously around them, and a fresh cascade of rocks tumbles into the churning depths. Merrin's grip tightens on Varrika's arm. "We can do this," she says, more to herself than anyone else. "Just... don't fall."

They reach the stairs, and Merrin shoves Varrika ahead with what little strength she has left. The dwarf woman climbs, her movements clumsy but determined, each step a visible struggle against the pain. Merrin follows, her own ankle screaming in protest, the weight of their predicament settling heavy on her shoulders.

The water laps at the bottom of the stairs now, and something large breaks the surface with a splash that echoes through the chamber. Merrin doesn't look back. She just keeps climbing, one agonizing step at a time, dragging them both toward whatever uncertain safety might await them above.