Ash realised that at least this creature didn't intend to outright kill her, he certainly had the ability too if he wanted. But being so close to drowning still made her fearful and thrashy in the water. It was only natural. Although her cries mostly sounded feline, she was able to force out "But... Your one of the Fey, why are you doing this" She had to escape, she didn't have the stregnth for another full transformation. Hopefully this creature wasn't aware that her beastial nature was high in her right now. So just showing dominance would likely cue her to submit to him.