Axton drew away from Natalia quickly, his throat feeling like something was clamping down on it. His breaths were short, and his eyes bulged and widened. He lost balance in the water and started to sink below it, his right hand firmly clasped around his throat.

"Axton? Axton! What is wrong? Axton!" Natalia pulled his head give the water, hitting his chest so he could breathe. It proved abortive, and he felt weaker and weaker.

"Beta? Beta! Help!"

Beta Scott turned to the door, and opened it. "Did you call for me?"

"Yes, please! Come! Please come here!"

He opened the door wider and ran inside, then opened the door...