Round 7

As Jeane's stylus danced across the rune lattice, a warm light spilled from the stone, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding trees. The air vibrated with anticipation as Halie's voice whispered a gentle prayer, her silver holy symbol glowing softly against the ancient stone. Merrin's eyes widened in alarm as the runes flared with an icy blue light, sending a chill wind through the gate's stone frame. Jeane's dark eyes narrowed, her focus intensifying as she deciphered the counter-sequence, her lips moving silently as she unraveled its secrets.

The pattern revealed by the runes mapped the tower's inner chambers, a blueprint of death and darkness that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. Halie's gaze flickered towards Jeane, concern etched on her face as she watched the sorceress's hands move with precision. Merrin's injured forearm throbbed in pain, a harsh reminder of the dangers they faced, but Jeane's determination remained unwavering. With a deep breath, she began to speak the counter-sequence aloud, the words echoing through the stillness like a promise of salvation or doom.