“Oh, for real?” It’s clear that Cara’s a little disappointed with that answer, possibly having expected something more exciting with the rumors of disappearing girls swirling around. Nicole and Dana’s extra praise does seem to at least elevate the redhead’s opinion, and she adds: “You must be pretty strong, busted hand or not.”

“A chair, huh?” Interrupts the spectacled blonde girl, taping her fork against the tray in front of her. “Was it her highchair?” 

Her olive-skinned friend snorts, a hand quickly covering her mouth. When she recovers she chastises her companion, sputtering, “Amanda!” The girl clears her throat, giving an apologetic look toward the Laurus crew before she offers: “I’m sorry. I’m Priya, nice to meet you. I’m super excited to become an Ars Magi too, being able to transform is going to be totally amazing.” 

“Yeah yeah,” Agrees Cara, “Ignore her. When you’re an Ars Magi you’ll be even stronger! And, you know, they wouldn’t use their most powerful weapons to just dig holes or clean toilets or whatever. We’re gonna be heroes!” The girl flexes a bicep, to indicate just how strong and heroic she intends to be in the future. 

Amanda, the blonde girl, makes a derisive snort. “We’ll see who gets that lucky.” She comments, returning to picking at her meal afterward. 

A chime rings out from somewhere in the distance, warning that dinnertime will be coming to a close shortly.