Round 20

As Varrika's voice cut through the air, Merrin's fingers paused, her gaze drifting to the runes etched into the stone slab. The faint inscription beneath the third slab revealed a keyhole, its edges glinting in the torchlight. Halie's words of caution still lingered, though the tension had eased slightly, replaced by a sense of cautious anticipation. Jeane's eyes narrowed, her focus on the runes unwavering as she addressed Merrin, "The light rune is the anchor—it's always first. The shadow responds to darkness, and silence demands absolute quiet."