Round 669

The torches ignited in harsh unison along the walls, bathing the ancient stone chamber in flickering orange light. Varrika stood against the cold rock face, her injured ankle held carefully off ground, pale features set in a defiant glare that spoke of stubborn refusal to yield. Merrin crouched beside her, crossbow aimed steady and true at the Guardian occupying center space - its form shifting between 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 defiantly. "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...