Captain Church watched Ayla closely, his sharp eyes narrowing as she began to demonstrate her abilities. The mixture of scents that filled the cabin—the pine, sage, cedar, and juniper—created an almost sacred atmosphere. The coolness radiating from her hands made him pause, a sensation of deep relaxation washing over him despite the situation.

In his lifetime Quinton had witnessed magic, true magic, maybe three or four times in his life. The first was when he saw the ship under his feet take on the magic stone in agreement with The Guild and the other few times were for high Noble weddings he had been invited too. What he had just witnessed from Ayla was entirely different. 

Her magic seemed naked not in terms of effect and potency, but due to a complete lack of pageantry. In the past the ceremonies and traditions surrounding the use of magic made them a spectacle and an occasion. Never before had he seen someone conduct magic in such a natural state. 

He remained silent as she held her hands out to him, her fear palpable, her vulnerability laid bare. The tear that slipped down her cheek did not escape his notice, but he made no move to acknowledge it. When she finally spoke, her voice a mere breath in the tense space, he let the silence stretch for a long moment.

"Ayla...," he said her lips finding their way through his lips for the first time, his voice low but steady. "I don't doubt the truth in your abilities. What I doubt is your judgment. You kept this from us, from me, when transparency is what keeps us alive out here. In your actions you have created a very shaky position for not just my crew and ship, but my very life."

He stepped back slightly, creating space between them, though his gaze never left hers. "But I am not unaware of the gift you just showed... Prove your worth, show that you can be trusted. If you can do that, there may still be a place for you on this ship."

His tone softened just a fraction, though the sternness remained. "But make no mistake—this is your only chance. I will not tolerate any more secrets. If you truly wish to stay aboard, you will need to earn back the trust you've lost. Do you understand?"