6. Palaces of the UndainCait awoke in cold water, spluttering and struggling as she was sucked down into purple depths. She fought and broke the surface for a moment, gasping, inhaling as much water as air. She sank again, mountains and sky becoming a shifting blur of colour through the waters. Sounds were muffled and distant. She struggled and thrashed, fighting for the light. But it was too far away. There was only water. Her lungs and her blood were ice, and the distant mountains faded to darkness. The only sound was her heart, beating like a bell.
A hand grasped hers, the grip strong, hauling her upward. She broke into air. For a moment she couldn't remember how to breathe. She struggled and spluttered, but another hand cradled her head, supporting her. Finally she gulped hungry mouth
