Round 24

Seraphine approaches the ancient gate, her senses heightened. The air here feels thick with an ancient, predatory energy. As she traces the runes with a single trembling finger, a shiver runs down her spine. They are alive, she can feel it in the thrumming vibration against her skin. This is no mere lock; this is something else entirely. "The runes," she whispers, her voice so low it's nearly inaudible even to her. "They're... they're hungry." Her eyes dart toward Merrin, who lies on the cold stone ground nearby, dark energy seeping from her wound and being drawn toward the barrier field like a moth to a flame. Seraphine's mind races, trying to recall any lore that might explain what she's witnessing. "This isn't just a lock mechanism," she says more firmly now, turning to face the group. "It's something far worse—a magical trap designed to feed on living energy." The runes pulse in response to her words, their hunger intensifying. "We need to stop whatever is happening to Merrin immediately. The field is actively consuming her life force."

As Seraphine speaks, the writhing symbols on the gate seem to twist and contort with renewed vigor, their malevolent intent growing more pronounced. The air around them grows colder, and a low hum fills the space—a sound like a thousand voices whispering in unison, each voice hungry and insatiable.