Round 5

As Varrika's crowbar slid into the ancient gate's crack, the stone shuddered beneath her steady force, its weathered surface groaning in protest. The sound echoed through the tower's hollow interior, a warning that any further force would alert the skeletons to their presence. Jeane's fingers danced across the rune-covered surface, tracing intricate patterns with a practiced ease, her crimson gaze fixed on the symbols etched into the stone.

Varrika's eyes locked onto Jeane's, and she mouthed "careful" as the sorceress worked her magic. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the gate's warning clanged out, drawing the undead guardians closer. With a deep breath, Varrika applied steady pressure to the crowbar, widening the opening just enough for Jeane to slip through.

The crack now yawned open, but the sound had already drawn the skeletons' heads toward the gate, their bony eyes flashing with sudden awareness. The ancient stone groaned in protest as Varrika held her breath, hoping the undead guardians hadn't heard the sound over their own rattling armor.