The assembly hall buzzed with a tense murmur as the pirates sat in tight rows, their faces etched with confusion and wariness, eyes darting to Aster atop the podium.
She stood tall, her blonde hair a wild halo under the stark lights, her broad frame radiating a fierce command that silenced the restless shuffle below. Syn lingered beside her, his presence a quiet anchor as she swept her gaze over the crowd, her jaw set with resolve.
"Everyone—sit still and watch your neighbors," Aster began, her voice booming across the hall, cutting through the nervous hum like a blade. "We've got shapeshifters among us, and I need you all to do something." She paused, drawing a deep breath that swelled her chest beneath her uniform, her eyes glinting with a steely determination.
"Hold hands with the people beside you—tight—and count to a hundred with me." She thrust her hand toward Syn, her fingers splayed expectantly, a playful glint flickering in her gaze despite the gravity of her words.
