Round 54

The tower's air felt like it was breathing, each inhalation drawing in ancient magic, each exhalation pushing out malevolence. Varrika's hand tightened on her mace, knuckles whitening as she fought the urge to crush the weapon in her grip. She could sense the corruption pulsing through the walls—fresh, weeks old at most—and it set her teeth on edge. "Keep your wits about you," she growled, her voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate the very stones around them. "This place feels wrong. Like it's... hungry." Her eyes flickered to Jeane, seeing the sorceress' discomfort clearly. They needed to proceed with caution, but every moment they hesitated felt like an invitation for whatever horrors lurked within these walls.

Jeane focused her senses, probing the currents of magic that swirled through the ancient structure. The corruption was fresh—weeks old at most. Someone had been here recently, tending these foul enchantments. Those pulsing runes on the staircase weren't mere decorations; they were teeth waiting to close. She met Merrin's gaze evenly. "Avoid that corridor entirely," she said firmly. "We find another route up or we come back later with better preparation." Halie needed a moment to ground herself before following such dangerous magic trails.

Merrin's eyes darted around the crumbling stone tower, her hands twitching at her sides as she took in every detail of the hidden door Varrika had uncovered. The air felt heavy with ancient magic and malice, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. "Alright," Merrin muttered, stepping forward to examine the door more closely. She ran her fingers along the frame, feeling for any hidden mechanisms or traps. "Looks like it's been sealed up tight for a long time."

Varrika tightened her grip on the mace, the weight of it a comforting presence in her weathered hands. Her eyes scanned the hidden doorway, the air thick with ancient magic and the promise of danger beyond. She could feel the unease radiating from her companions, but there was no time for hesitation now. "Alright," she grunted, her gravelly voice barely above a whisper. "Let's see what's on the other side of this door." With a deep breath, she stepped forward, the key turning in the lock with a heavy click.