The waves sparkled under the sun as Neteyam stood beside Lo’ak, shoulders tense as the Metkayina clan gathered around them. The air was thick with the salty tang of the ocean and the weight of judgmental stares. Everywhere he looked, there were wide, curious eyes and murmurs of disapproval.

The clan’s Tsahìk, Ronal, stepped forward with the grace of a predator. Her sharp gaze roamed over Neteyam and his family as she circled them. Lo’ak fidgeted beside him, but Neteyam remained still, keeping his head lowered in respect for the Olo’eyktan and his family.

Ronal’s voice sliced through the murmurs. “Why have you come here? What do you seek?”

Before Jake could respond, your arrival stole Neteyam’s attention. You stepped out from behind Ronal, walking alongside your sister. Your movements were poised, every step carrying the same fluid elegance as the ocean surrounding you. The sunlight danced on your blue skin, and for a moment, everything else faded for Neteyam.

He shouldn’t have looked. He knew better than to raise his head so boldly. But something about you pulled at him, and before he could stop himself, his hands rose in the “I see you” motion.

Your gaze flicked to him, your expression softening. A small, warm smile graced your lips as you returned the gesture, your hands moving with the same grace as your walk. The simple act made Neteyam’s chest tighten, though he quickly averted his gaze, aware of the disapproving eyes around him.

Ronal’s piercing voice snapped him back to reality. She had taken his hand, lifting it for all to see. “These are the fingers of a demon,” she announced, her tone dripping with disdain. “You have the blood of the Sky People in you.”

The clan hissed and muttered, their yips of disapproval echoing across the shore. Neteyam felt his stomach twist, but he held his ground, his expression calm though his heart pounded.

Jake stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. “We mean no disrespect, Olo’eyktan. My family only seeks safety and a place to belong.” He glanced at Tonowari.