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The conversation about television series continued as Astrelle sat back and tended to her cup of tea. The class division appeared more prominent, observing that Vanna scarcely contributed to the conversation either. 

Before long, the tremors started up again. A low rumble shook the ship, accompanied by the rattling of the silverware in front of the girls. The shaking was enough of a distraction that Astrelle could pay attention to little else, as anxiety crept into her heart. The thumping of her heartbeat accelerated with the intensity of the tremors. Keeping her teacup still was hardly a concern anymore, and she allowed the porcelain to slide off the table at the peak of the ship’s shaking.

Then, a stillness, though momentary, washed over Astrelle with relief like ebbing waves, slowly purging bits of her anxiety with every push and pull of the tide.

Astrelle’s distress had almost been erased by the deceptive calm, before the cabin was bathed in a red light. Its source was clearly visible from the cabin window—a glowing, disembodied eye that few around before disappearing into the dark abyss below. Astrelle’s body tensed up at the eerie fright, and as quick as it went, her panic returned. 

Nothing could’ve prepared Astrelle for the calamity that came next. A terrifying weightlessness instantly flooded her senses as the airship plunged downwards and inertia lifted her body from the seat. There wasn’t enough time to find something stable to hold on to; she was powerless as the force of the ship’s movements flung her around the room like a ragdoll. She shrieked in pain when her back slammed against the window, though she managed to lift her arms in front of her face to shield from shards of broken porcelain and glass amidst the frenzy. 

When the turbulence finally subsided, Astrelle dropped to the floor with a thud.

Her body ached from the assault. She barely registered the flickering lights, though the distorted voices and sounds outside their cabin posed some concern. Astrelle focused on recovering from the fall, and groaned as she lifted herself to a standing position.

The lights died and the cabin was dark, but the flow of magic was palpable in the air. Astrelle focused it to her eyes. In an instant, the opaque dark lifted its obscuring veil, and though visible, everything looked washed with a tint of grey. It didn’t seem like her ability was needed however, when Dana cast her light magic and dispelled the shadows for the others. Astrelle was somewhat satisfied to keep her cards hidden for the time being.

Vanna was quick to take leadership of the situation. Astrelle’s impression of Vanna after the short-lived tea party was that she took everything too seriously, but nevertheless, her steely nature was commendable and helpful in this moment of uncertainty.

[color=b699ff]“Sitting here seems rather useless,”[/color] Astrelle chimed, regaining her usual composure and cold-hearted smile. [color=b699ff]“There were some voices outside the cabin earlier. We can go in that direction.”[/color]