Intriguing story – what’s the geographical placement of the fight? It sounds as if she’s on a beach, some way into the surf.

The way a receding wave pulls at legs and underfoot-sand is what comes to mind with the appearance and growth of the water-created. I like the descriptions you gave.

Perhaps find a different wording though to avoid the double use of “as if (in/it)” in the late middle.

Welcome to Ficly!

A formidable foe! I wonder if she makes it? reads on

Thanks, RoseTone.
Corrected! :D