Round 668

The chamber roared awake in harsh orange light as torches ignited along the walls. Varrika stood against stonework, injured ankle held off ground, pale face set in defiant glare. Merrin crouched beside her, crossbow aimed steady at the Guardian occupying 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 snappi...