The giant python drifted a little farther downstream, deliberately putting some distance between itself and Bethany.
Its cold, glassy eyes locked on her like twin shadows in the deep.
Because of the buoyancy of the water, Bethany hadn’t wounded it seriously—only managed to drive it back for a moment.
She kicked upward desperately, lungs burning, trying to reach the surface. But the oxygen was running out fast.
When she first plunged in, she had swallowed a mouthful of lake water; now her chest felt as if it would burst open.
A wave of despair wrapped around her heart.
She was losing strength. The python was surging toward her again, its body twisting through the dark water like a nightmare reborn.
Bethany shut her eyes instinctively.
Goodbye… my dear captain.
A slick, muscular coi
