Victor¹

Victor's cough echoed off the rough cave walls as he forced his eyes open. Where was he? A dark, rocky cavern with water spilling out all around him. His mind spun: what had happened? Then it hit him: he and Nova had tried swimming for the first time and almost drowned. But what had saved them?

His gaze scanned the cave. "Nova?" She lay unconscious beside him, pale and motionless. Panic tightened his chest.

Suddenly, the splashing of water broke the silence.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Victor demanded in a high-pitched, desperate voice.