Round 544

The stone slab crashed down with a finality that made Merrin’s heart skip a beat. The sound of rushing water grew louder instantly, and she could feel the vibrations through her boots—water was pouring in from somewhere nearby, fast. She whirled around to face Varrika, who was now trapped on the other side of the barrier.

"Varikka!" Merrin shouted over the growing roar. "We need another way out! Now!"

The dwarf warrior had already started moving, wading through the rising water with grim determination. Her scarred face was set in a mask of concentration as she scanned the chamber walls. The ground shook again, harder this time, and a fresh crack appeared in the ceiling above them.

"Any ideas?" Merrin called out, her eyes darting between Varrika and the spreading cracks. She could feel something else moving through the water now—something large and fast. They were running out of time, and fast.