Dragoncrest Cliffs a woman young and old

Damp down to her bones and shivering cold, Cherub’s Wing of Honor dragged herself inland as far as her quaking legs would take her. She had been swept away by the freezing tide for less than five minutes, but it seemed to have been more than enough time to bring her close to death. She was surprised by this; the sea did not usually treat her so unkindly. But she hadn’t been able to keep from swallowing so much seawater…

It bubbled up now, spilling from her mouth like a burst water main, splashing across the border-scent of a looming pack.

The smell of others started to register to her now, bringing forth a renewed bout of anxiety. Suddenly overwhelmed with the dizzying thought of having to go around this pack, the exhausted girl collapsed on their proverbial doorstep and choked back a sob.

Except it wasn’t a sob.

It was more of the ocean, clawing its way up her throat and out through her clenched teeth.

She sputtered, coughing, her throat and nose on fire.