Even with the somber but thunderous noise that the waves create as they strike the hull of the ship, even with the cracking of the mast as it snapped in the air, even with the piercing cries of the avian creatures that soar through the skies; Van could only hear the sound of his and Athena's breaths circling around her cabin.
Even with the creaking of the old wood as Van slowly turned towards Athena, the only thing that he could hear was the sound of his sweat, slowly trailing on her face. He could see Athena still seated on the floor, with her hands gently grabbing his.
And slowly, with her hand retreating, Athena pushed herself back, her legs tightly closed as she did so. She did not stop until the skin on her back was once again in contact with the wall-- and as she did all of this, her gaze did not once retract from Van's eyes.
