Round 667

The torches roared back to life, bathing the chamber in harsh orange light. Varrika stood against the wall, injured ankle held off ground, face pale and eyes blazing with defiance. Merrin crouched beside her, crossbow aimed at the Guardian that now occupied center space - its form shifting shadow and substance both.

"You think you can escape me?" The creature's voice vibrated through stone and bone. "I'll show you true darkness."

Varrika spat blood. "Fuck off! I've faced worse than your shadowy ass in dwarven mines!"

Merrin felt a chill run down her spine, knuckles white on the crossbow trigger. What did he mean by 'Shadow in the Light'? Threat or riddle? They needed out - fast.

The Guardian advanced, presence growing more solid with each step. Merrin tracked its movements through flickering torchlight, wondering if physical attacks would even work against shadow-flesh.

Varrika met her gaze, forced a grin. "We've faced worse than this," she said, though voice lacked usual bravado. "Just keep it away until I figure out how to move without screaming."

Merrin nodded, attention snapping back to the creature. The precarious ceiling above loomed in torchlight. They were trapped with no escape route, facing something that defied reason.

The Guardian intoned: "You will soon learn its true meaning."