Chapter 34

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.