Fenric's expression didn't change, though his silver eyes glinted faintly. "Exactly. And if you already know the consequence, don't repeat it."
He gestured for Aria to begin again. She knelt beside her assigned skeleton, her hands steady this time. The dark threads of mana flowed smoothly into the bones, weaving through joints and sockets until the figure rose upright with surprising grace. It moved two careful steps, then held its balance like a soldier at attention.
Aria looked over her shoulder, a hint of pride slipping through. "See? Rhythm. Not force."
Laxin squatted next to his own pile of bones, muttering, "Yeah, yeah, rhythm. Got it." He pressed his palm to the sternum, and mana surged outward like a wave.
The skeleton jerked upright all at once—arms flailing, legs stiff. It looked less like a soldier and more like someone panicking in a crowded market.
"Control, Laxin!" Fenric barked.
