"Go,” he said, and took Jake from her.
The water grew deeper, inching back towards her chest. She remembered the snakes she'd encountered earlier. Real or not, it wasn't an experience she wanted to relive. She faltered, not certain what to do next.
Another explosion ripped across the darkness. The roof above her collapsed, and a rush of rubble and dirt swept her off her feet.
"Nikki!"
Michael's cry was cut off as she was swept under the water. Dirt and stone fell around her, encasing her, trapping her under the foul waters. Panic swelled. She kicked her legs, desperate to get free, to get back to the surface. Fire burned in her chest, and she fought the desire to breathe. More rocks fell, churning the water, confusing her senses. Pain exploded through her body, and the need to open her mouth, to suck in air, grew desperate.
She thrashed sideways as rock smashed against her shoulder, and her head hit something solid. Red fire spread through her brain. She gasped in agony, swallowing water, crying a denial as darkness engulfed her.
* * * *
Nikki, Nikki! Hear me!
The frantic call pulled at her consciousness. She frowned, unable to move, unable to see, her body a motionless weight tying her down.
Nikki! Listen to me!
Golden light surrounded the stillness around her, freeing her from fear, filling her with peace and an intense need to be one with the light.
NO!
Gentle music washed across her senses. It flooded her cold body with warmth, releasing her from the dark weight of pain holding her captive. Suddenly free, her spirit rejoiced, dancing in radiance as she drifted towards the long golden tunnel.
Stay with me!
Something in that urgent plea made her hesitate, and the call of the golden light muted. Yet she didn't have the strength to go back, didn't have the courage to face the fear and the pain. The honeyed light pulsed, welcoming her, calling...