Round 89

The runes pulse hungrily, their appetite for arcane energy palpable even from a distance. "Back! All of you!" Halie hissed, her hand raised in warning. "This thing feeds on magic—stay clear or it'll consume us whole." Jeane circled the gate, tracing the shifting patterns with narrowed eyes. "Foolish girl," she purred, glancing at Merrin's precarious position. "One misplaced hand and you'll be its meal." The halfling froze mid-climb, her heart hammering. What had they gotten themselves into this time?