Round 92

Merrin steps forward, her small form seeming to grow taller as she squares her shoulders. If you fear losing control of your power, then perhaps it's time we learned to trust each other with it. She meets Jeane’s gaze steadily, a newfound strength shining in her dark eyes. And as for you... Her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper, I’ve seen the way you look at Seraphine when she’s deep in study—Merrin gestures toward the sharp-eyed elf with an impish grin—or lost in one of her philosophical tangents. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.

Jeane’s expression flickers, caught off guard by Merrin’s directness. She opens her mouth to respond, but Seraphine beats her to it. "Oh?" The wizard turns, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks as she realizes she’s the subject of their conversation. Is that so? She raises an eyebrow, her tone playful despite the gravity of their situation.

Jeane recovers quickly, her voice dripping with mock innocence. My dear Seraphine, I assure you my interest is purely academic. After all, there’s so much to... study about you. Her crimson eyes gleam with barely-veiled desire as she circles closer, the demon woman’s voluptuous form accentuated by every movement.

The Guardian watches this exchange with unreadable silence, its mask-like face expressionless yet somehow ominous. "Enough," it intones, cutting through their banter with a voice like stone.* The trial awaits. Enter the portal if you wish to proceed—or leave and abandon your companions to their fate."