Round 807

The water lapped at Merrin's waist now, cold and insistent, as she searched the rapidly flooding chamber for Varikka. Her injured ankle screamed with every step, but the sight of her friend's head bobbing in the distance drove her forward through the rising current. The rope tied around her waist pulled taut, a jarring reminder of their precarious connection as she fought against the growing strength of the water.

"Varikka!" Merrin shouted, her voice echoing off the ancient stone walls before being swallowed by the roar of rushing liquid. The water was already up to her chest, and the pull of the current grew stronger with each passing moment. But all thoughts of escape fled as she spotted Varikka's head just beyond reach, struggling against the flood.

With a surge of adrenaline, Merrin waded forward, her injured ankle protesting with every step. The water threatened to sweep her off balance, but she managed to keep her footing by clawing at the rough stone walls for support. Her hands were already numb from the cold when she finally reached Varikka's side, the rope pulling tight between them.

"Here," Merrin gasped, grabbing onto her friend and trying to distribute Varikka's weight evenly across her own shoulders in a fireman's carry. The additional strain on her already injured ankle sent a fresh wave of pain shooting up her leg, but she gritted her teeth and focused on solid ground. They had to find higher footing before the water consumed them both.