“No.”
Aaron looked at Leo.
“He was.”
Maya’s hand tightened around her son’s shoulder.
A movement appeared near the galley.
A flight attendant named Celeste was standing perfectly still, watching them.
When Maya turned toward her, Celeste smiled.
It was not a frightened smile.
It was calm.
Almost satisfied.
Then Celeste raised one hand toward the service panel near the galley.
Aaron’s eyes widened.
“Get down!”
The cabin lights vanished.
Darkness swallowed Flight 417.
Passengers screamed.
A violent banking motion threw people sideways.
Overhead compartments burst open.
Luggage crashed into the aisle.
Leo cried out.
Maya wrapped both arms around him.
Emergency lights flickered red along the floor.
Then the aircraft began descending.
Fast.
Too fast.
Maya heard Captain Reeves over the PA.
“All passengers remain seated! We have lost primary flight control!”
But Maya recognized something in his voice now.
Not panic.
Performance.
Aaron grabbed the seat.
