Riley immediately took off running for the elevator. With every hasty look over her shoulder, the water seemed to rear closer, while every look forwards seemed to tell her that the elevator was coming no closer. However, she didn't trust the Gold Lady, that she was sure of. Anyone who did must not have something completely right with them, either. If she allowed herself to be picked up by the mechanical fox, where would she land? In the water? Right into the lap of a monster? No, best rely on her own two feet for the time being. 

The elevator flashed a brilliant red, inviting Riley in with its welcoming light. She was so close now, but a few steps back she swore water lapped at her heels. She couldn't even tell if her stockings were wet, in this hurry and sheer terror. Her mind shuddered, imagining why the locals were so afraid of the water. What could be in it? There were always stories in the newspaper, heralding sharks appearing dangerously close to the shores, and once there was a harrowing image that still haunted her nightmares today. What was in this water, in this land of fairies? A shark? Or something worse? Don't think. Just keep running, keep running, keep running . . .