Round 3

The ritual's surge peaked, holy light blazing from the silver cross in Halie's hand. "

Jeane's crimson eyes gleam with dark amusement. Well now… that little light show of yours might actually do something useful for once, sister...

The air crackles around them, thick with ancient magic and barely contained power. The corrupting aura of this place fights against the holy light, but Halie can sense something giving way, like a lock turning under pressure.

Merrin's gaze grows wide as the clack of bone on stone echoes from beyond the gate, the sound multiplying until it seems to come from all around them. Shit... she mutters under her breath, her hand tightening on the hilt of her dagger. That doesn't sound like just a few skeletons anymore, sisters. She glances at Halie, a mix of sympathy and concern in her eyes.

Seraphine's sharp gaze narrows as she studies the gate's surface. "I was afraid of this," she mutters, her voice so low it's almost lost in the air. "These aren't just mindless undead we're dealing with. The magic here… it's purposefully summoning and controlling them." She turns to Halie, her expression grave. "Your ritual may have weakened the barrier, but it seems we've also triggered a guardian response."

Varrika listens intently as Seraphine outlines her plan, her grip tightening on her mace. A quick look around reveals Merrin and Jeane are already tensed and ready to move. "You heard her," she barks, her voice cutting through the tension. "Merrin, Jeane—get moving! We'll hold them off as long as we can." She turns to Halie and Seraphine, her expression serious. "Stay close together. If this goes wrong, we need to regroup quickly."

The sound of many skeletons moving in unison beyond the gate is now a constant, chilling backdrop to their deliberations. The air feels heavy with magic and the promise of violence.

Jeane's wings shift restlessly as she prepares to move. Well then, shall we see if your little trick actually worked, or if we're about to have an unpleasant bone party? Her voice is laced with sarcasm, but her eyes remain sharp and alert. Let's not keep our new friends waiting.

Merrin nods grimly, already moving toward the gate's edge. Yeah… let's do this before they decide to break through on their own. She glances back at Halie and Seraphine. Stay safe, both of you. We'll handle whatever comes out.

Varrika moves into position beside the gate, her mace raised and ready. "Halie," she calls over her shoulder, "if that barrier's weakened, we might have a small window to get through before they can respond fully." Her eyes meet Halie's for a moment. Be ready to move on my mark.

The tension in the air is palpable now, the sound of approaching skeletons growing louder with each passing second. The party knows they're about to face whatever horrors the tower holds inside.

Jeane smirks at Merrin's comment, her wings unfurling slightly as she prepares to fly ahead. After you then, short stuff. She moves forward, her dark leathery wings beating slowly to keep her hovering just above the ground. Let's make this quick and dirty.

Halie nods, clutching her holy symbol tightly. I'll be ready. Just… be careful out there. Both of you. Her voice is tight with worry, but determination burns in her eyes.

Seraphine steps closer to Halie, her hands already moving in subtle gestures as she begins a protective spell. Don't worry. We'll be right behind you, prepared to support if needed. She glances at the gate, her expression grim. Let's hope Varrika's plan works and we can slip through before they fully mobilize.

The sound of bones scraping against stone intensifies, and suddenly, the first skeletal hand reaches through a gap in the gate. The party tenses, ready for whatever comes next.

Varrika roars as she brings her mace down on the reaching hand, shattering bone with a sickening crunch. NOW! she shouts to Merrin and Jeane. MOVE!

The barrier shatters completely under Halie's ritual, and the gate groans open just wide enough for them to slip through. Merrin and Jeane dart forward as Varrika holds the position, her mace ready to strike again.

Inside, the air is thick with ancient dust and the stench of decay. The sound of more skeletons follows them as they push deeper into the tower's embrace.