Round 20

The tower's entrance looms before them, sealed by ancient runes that pulse with malevolent energy. The air grows heavy and oppressive as something unseen watches their approach. "These wards are... alive," Jeane murmurs, her crimson eyes flaring with arcane power as she studies the symbols etched into the stone. "And hungry." Merrin nocks an arrow, her dark eyes scanning for any sign of movement in the shadows. "Great. Just what we needed—sentient magic with a taste for essence." Seraphine steps forward, her sharp gaze fixed on the runes. "We cannot simply force our way through. These wards are too powerful..." The very stones seem to hum with dark energy, and a low chuckle echoes from within the tower's depths.