Redhawk Caldera m a r d u k

All the air left her lungs in a final string of bubbles, which was obscured by a sudden rush of frothing water as someone else plunged into the caldera. Ani jerked her face toward the foaming and the dull sound that accompanied it. She spied a glimpse of straw-colored fur right as her vision began dimming at the edges.

Her leg felt like it weighed a thousand pounds as she outstretched it toward her would-be rescuer. The last thing she saw was her own tiny paw, toes spread out, effervescent fizz tickling and trickling between them. Then everything faded to black.

Her empty chest burned and Ani was left with no choice but to reflexively inhale, drawing frigid water into her lungs.