Round 86

Merrin’s eyes dart between Halie and the growling creature emerging from the darkness. She grips her mace tighter but doesn’t raise it yet, something in the cleric’s words about unity giving her pause. "Halie speaks true," she mutters, "but we’ll need more than friendship to face what’s coming." The halfling’s gaze hardens as she watches the beast approach.

Varrika stands firm, her scarred hands tight around her heavy mace. Merrin’s words about unity strike a chord with her—she knows the power of a well-coordinated team better than most. "Merrin’s right," the dwarf growls, "we’ve faced worse than this creature before, and we came out on top because we worked together, not as pawns but as equals." She glares at the beast, her expression unyielding.

Halie feels a surge of courage wash over her as she listens to Merrin and Varrika. Their words bolster her resolve, reminding her that she’s not alone in this dark place. "I may have triggered something terrible," she admits, "but together, we can face whatever comes." The cleric raises her holy symbol, its silver surface catching what little light filters into the chamber.

The Liminal Wretch hovers closer, its glowing eyes fixed on Halie. The creature’s voice echoes through the chamber once more. “Your faith is strong, but can you resist my temptation? You must choose: surrender your essence to me, or risk the lives of those dear to you.” The entity's words hang in the air like a dark promise, and Halie hesitates, her eyes darting between Jeane and the Liminal Wretch.