As Lira and Serelyth swam toward the bluish lights deeper in the lake, the water around them grew denser, heavier, almost viscous. The shimmering glow ahead seemed to pulse with its own rhythm, mesmerizing and dangerous. Lira felt an unexpected weight pressing on her chest, her lungs tightening with each breath, as if the very water was resisting her movements.
"Lira…?" Serelyth's voice, usually calm and commanding, wavered slightly. She glanced at Lira and noticed her companion's slow, staggered movements. "Little flame, what's happening? Speak to me!"
Lira tried to respond, but her words caught in her throat. Her vision blurred; the bluish light warped around her, and the calm confidence she had carried moments ago was slipping away like sand through fingers. Her arms felt leaden, her legs refusing to kick with strength. A wave of panic rose within her. "I… I can't… breathe…" she managed to gasp, though the words were muffled.
