Round 39

Seraphine's sharp eyes widen in shock as Jeane's words cut through the tension like a razor. The sorcerer's crimson gaze is fixed on Merrin with an intensity that makes Seraphine's blood run cold. You cannot be serious! She exclaims, her voice rising in pitch despite her best efforts to remain calm. This isn't about 'what works'—it's about not becoming monsters ourselves! We're here to save the realm, not offer up one of our own like a sacrifice!

Her hands grip her staff tighter, the ancient wood creaking beneath her fingers. The runes on the gate pulse ominously, their ancient patterns seeming to writhe and twist in response to Jeane's words. Think of what we're becoming! We're better than this—all of us! She glances around at the others, seeking support, but finds only uncertainty and unease mirrored in their expressions. The creature beyond the gate growls louder, feeding on their internal strife with malevolent glee.

Seraphine takes a step back, her mind racing. She knows they need to get past this barrier, but at what cost? Her gaze falls upon Merrin, seeing the young rogue's eyes widen in fear and betrayal. Seraphine's heart aches for her friend. We'll find another way—there has to be another way! She pleads, her voice breaking with emotion. I won't let us fall so low as to traffic in human sacrifices!

As the runes pulse more insistently, a cold dread settles over Seraphine. She can feel the ancient magic pressing against her mind, whispering temptations and promises of power that make her fingers tremble on her staff. The creature's hunger gnaws at the edges of her consciousness, feeding on their conflict. Please—let's think this through! There must be a loophole—a way to break these seals without... She trails off, unable to finish the sentence.

Seraphine's keen eyes dart around the group, searching for any sign of agreement or dissent. The air is thick with tension and the stench of decay from beyond the gate. She knows they're running out of time—something ancient and terrible is waiting on the other side—but she refuses to let fear drive them into making a deal with darkness. We can't become what we're fighting against! She cries out, her voice echoing in the oppressive silence.