[ that short-lived feeling that crackles through the Stargazer resonance like a spark is matched in kind with immediacy: Ruby, ever sensitive to hostility even without empathic bonds, snaps into the mindset of prey before she registers what is happening. it isn't just the rabbit-quick heartbeat that Sebastian will feel or the instinct to flee; for a moment, there is a blind and terrified certainty, beyond reason, that she is going to die right now.

but that flash of wild, animal fear he feels is only reflected an instant on Rudbeckia's expression. the smile that follows seems to come easily to her, either thoughtlessly sincere or otherwise well-practised. without scrutiny, it would be easy to read it as genuine; under a sharper gaze, her eyes still tremble with fright, and there is a mollifying air about her vacant façade, like a dog bowing its head in submission. ]

Signor Michaelis! [ despite her apparent cheer, she stays rooted at the door. her hand does not leave the doorknob. ] No, I, um... There was someone, but— Sorry, I didn't want to cause any trouble, so I thought it would be best if I just stayed out of the way...

[ for some reason, the more she tries to explain herself, the higher her fear ratchets, that feeling of dread growing more and more. it's always been a point of anxiety for her: no one will listen, no one wants to hear her speak, she should just accept the consequences without a word. so she trails off, and instead deflects— ]

I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.

[ is it safer to stay in here with a predator, or to go outside and face something unknown? ]