Round 70

Halie staggers back from the pit's edge, her face pale and shaken. I—She starts, then stops, swallowing hard. I thought that floor was solid! Jeane is already there, moving with preternatural speed to catch her before she falls.

Jeane's powerful demonic arms wrap around Halie's waist, hauling the cleric back from the brink with brutal force. They tumble heavily onto the stone floor. What in all nine hells were you thinking?! Jeane snarls, her crimson eyes blazing with fury and concern. You don't just throw yourself into obvious traps! She helps Halie up, her hands lingering for a moment to ensure the younger woman is unharmed before turning back to the pit's edge with a scowl.

Jeane crouches at the edge of the pit, peering down into the darkness. The ancient carvings on the walls seem to pulse with a faint, malevolent light. A low whispering sound echoes up from below—a chorus of voices just beyond hearing. Fan-fucking-tastic. She mutters, her wings twitching in irritation. Varrika! Merrin! Seraphine! Anyone down there?!

Varrika's strained voice drifts up after a tense moment. We're here! Everyone made it through the gate intact, but this place... it doesn't feel right. The walls are alive somehow, and something's watching us.

Jeane straightens up, her expression grim. She glances around their own chamber, taking in the ominous symbols etched into every surface. Yeah, well, you're not alone in that feeling. She moves to the center of the room, her eyes scanning for any sign of movement or threat. We've got our own set of problems up here.

As if summoned by her words, a low growl echoes through the chamber. Jeane's head snaps toward its source—a dark shape moving in the deeper shadows near the far wall. Great. Just what we needed—company. She draws her heavy mace, holding it ready as she backs toward the pit, keeping her eyes on the shifting darkness.

The growl comes again, closer this time. A pair of glowing eyes emerge from the shadows—a creature unlike any they've encountered before. It moves with a predatory grace, its form vaguely humanoid but twisted, with too many joints and a mouth that seems capable of stretching impossibly wide. Varrika! Merrin! Seraphine! Anyone down there?!