It swallows her up. Heartbeat in her ears loud enough to drown out everything else, and her body moves slow, underwater-sluggish. She's staring at Ellie's arm, the bite bright and red. She can see the torn edges of skin all tooth marked, bleeding.

She thinks she said something but has no idea what (only a low curse), and then Ellie's arms are around her, pulling her back. Holding her. They're so close.

The sound comes rushing back so quick she shuts her eyes tight and grips Ellie's upper arm in one hand, steadying herself.

Oh, fuck. Okay. Not dead. Close, but-

Her tongue feels thick in her mouth. She gestures toward her head, says distantly, "Didn't even hear it."