Round 9

As the violet glow of the rune-covered gate pulsed with an otherworldly energy, casting flickering shadows on the cracked stone, Jeane's voice cut through the oppressive silence, her words indistinguishable from the crackling energy that fueled her magic. She had extended the ward duration twice, now totalling 20 minutes, but the timer was ticking down, and the party's apprehension grew. Halie's Continual Light illuminated the darkening forest, its gentle warmth a beacon of hope amidst the oppressive atmosphere. Merrin stood watch with crossbow ready, her dark eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of undead movement.

Seraphine's slender fingers danced across the arcane script etched into the gate, seeking hidden weaknesses in the ward's magic. Her eyes gleamed with focus as she muttered an arcane phrase under her breath, attuning herself to the runes' complex patterns. The air was heavy with moisture and unseen movement, and Varrika's crossbow remained at the ready, scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. As the party stood frozen in anticipation, the forest seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next move.