Round 634

The chamber trembles as the ancient Guardian speaks, its voice a menacing rumble that seems to vibrate through Merrin’s very bones. The water around them responds with a sickening churn, and she feels Varrika tense beside her, ready to fight despite their dire situation. Merrin’s mind races, searching for an escape route that doesn’t involve either of them drowning or being crushed by the Guardian’s wrath. She spots a narrow ledge running along one wall, just out of reach above the rising water line—it might be their only chance.

“There,” she hisses urgently to Varrika, pointing with her free hand. “We need to climb up there.” The dwarf woman follows Merrin’s gesture, her brow furrowing in concentration despite the pain evident in every line of her body. The ledge is narrow and treacherous-looking, but it’s their best option. Merrin starts to move towards it, still gripping Varrika’s arm for support.

“Come on,” she urges, her voice barely above a whisper as she tugs gently at the dwarf woman’s sleeve. “We need to move fast.”