The Red Sea

As they neared the Red Sea, Lucien could see the eerie transformation of the horizon—the mist turned a deep red, and the clouds hung low, dark and blood-like, swirling ominously as lightning cracked across the sky. 

The air itself felt different, dry, and unmoving, as though the world had frozen in anticipation. The sudden stillness in the wind confirmed why they relied on the steam engine rather than the fickle power of the wind.

Lucien shivered as a chill crept through him, and the crew began to shout, their voices filled with tension. 

"We're entering the Red Sea, folks! Pray to Goddess Salacia and hope she saves our souls!"

He glanced at Lithira, who had let her hood fall away. Her face, once tense, now showed determined resolve as she faced the mist. 

Lucien smiled, reaching over to pinch her nose lightly, trying to ease the tension.

"Calm down, Lithira. Save that energy for the battle ahead," he teased.