Round 605

Merrin helped Varrika to her feet, wincing as she heard the ominous rumble of collapsing stone behind them. The air in the chamber was thick with dust, making it hard to breathe, and the weight of the tower above pressed down on them like a physical force. "We need to keep moving," she said, her voice strained with urgency. She glanced around the space, trying to spot any signs of danger or escape routes. The Guardian's words echoed in her mind, and she knew they didn't have much time.

Varrika grimaced as she struggled to her feet, her ankle throbbing with pain. The sound of the collapse sent shivers down her spine. "That opening looks like our only way out," she muttered, wincing as she tried to put weight on her injured ankle. "But I don't know if I can make it through there in this state." She glanced back at the Guardian, a look of suspicion crossing her face. "And who knows if he's telling the truth about the collapse?" she asked, her voice tight with pain and uncertainty.

Merrin bit her lip, her mind racing. They needed to find a way out quickly, but Varikka's injury made that difficult. The dwarf woman was their strongest fighter, and without her full mobility, they were in serious trouble. "Let me help you," she said, moving closer to support Varrika's weight. "We'll take it slow and steady. One step at a time." She wrapped an arm around Varikka's waist, careful not to aggravate the dwarf woman's injuries further.

As they began to move towards the narrow opening, Merrin couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The Guardian had seemed almost... helpful? But why would he guide them to a potential escape route only to warn them of impending danger? "Stay close," she whispered to Varrika. "And keep your eyes open. Something about this doesn't feel right."