All Astro leaders including Hung had their eyes widened, trembling within their sockets as if the world itself had tilted. Sweat beads formed on cheeks and foreheads, falling away only to be replaced by new ones, their voices locked tight in their throats as shock robbed them of speech.
Hildred's eyes were only partially open, yet even that seemed too wide, his muscles quivering as he struggled to steady himself. What just happened? he asked within his mind, yet the thought echoed so loudly it felt spoken aloud. His vision blurred for a moment, distance and ominous smoke weaving together like a dark veil.
As the heavy smoke parted briefly, his gaze fell upon a distant old man among the dark leaders, standing calm and unmoving, the tips of his open fingers gently touching across his chest as though sealing a quiet truth. He must be him, Hildred told himself, a chill crawling along his spine.
