In the long silence that followed Cassandra felt herself sinking like a stone with her captor. They went deeper and deeper as if the oasis was bottomless. Cassandra tried to wiggle her body against the tight grip, but as she struggled, she caught a glimpse of a long dark green eel-like tail flipping beside her. Cassandra's frantic heart thumped against her ribcage.
She bucked and kicked her feet, but the monster held her down like an octopus. Then it twirled her body around. Cassandra finally came face to face with her captor. She saw through the clear water, a beautiful red-haired maiden wearing light, sheer robes as though made of mist. Her sleek icy pale body clung to the mortal girl while her green eyes blazed like two balls of glowing jade. Her melodious voice seemed to vibrate from
