Round 814

Merrin's heart hammered in her chest as she and Varikka struggled to their feet in the rapidly flooding chamber. The ground beneath them had begun to slope dangerously, and the water was now lapping at their ankles with alarming speed. Her injured ankle pulsed with fresh agony, but the terror of drowning again drove her forward.

"We can't stay here!" she gasped, grabbing Varikka's shoulder for support. "The water's rising too fast." She glanced around frantically, spotting the hidden door to the chamber below. "That way! Help me over there before we end up like Jeane and Halie!"

Varikka nodded grimly, her face contorted with pain but her eyes determined. Together, they began a laborious hobble toward the hidden entrance, each step a torment as the water swirled around their feet.

"Lean on me," Varikka grunted, wrapping an arm around Merrin's waist to support her weight. "I can help you walk, but I'm not sure how much longer my ankle will hold up."

Merrin bit back a cry of pain as she put more weight on the injured leg, knowing they had no choice but to keep moving. The water was already mid-calf deep and rising fast.

"I know," she panted, her voice tight with fear and exertion. "But even if that means backtracking, we need to find a way out of here before this rising water drags us both under."