@lunarwoven : MOLLYMAUK
STILLNESS. Caleb thinks he may not even be breathing, his body refusing to cooperate with his mind, and vice versa. Not that his mind is in any state to be taking charge of things — he hardly knows what's going on around them.
All he can see is that damned face, all he can hear is that awful, grating voice. Fear grips him, icy and cold, pushes him deeper into the water, suffocates him.
There's a ringing in his ears, loud and high and horrible. He feels bodies all around him — almost as oppressive as the fear — but they're protective, creating a shield around him. A tail curls around his back, helps guide him along as they walk.
Caleb feels like he's about to fall apart, or perhaps collapse inwards on himself. Bren.
He feels like he may throw up.