The next morning, the chamber was even colder. The torches barely held their light, flickering like they too were nervous about what was about to happen.
Fenric stood in the center again, cloak pooled like a shadow at his feet, grimoire open. His silver gaze flicked toward them as they entered.
"Summon."
Bones rattled up from the floor in two waves. Aria's skeletons rose sharp and steady, their formation cleaner than ever. Laxin's came a heartbeat later. To his shock, both managed to stand upright without wobbling—or tripping—on their first try.
He grinned. "See that? Discipline. Progress. My boys are ready."
One of his skeletons immediately sneezed. Or at least, its ribcage convulsed violently and popped a rib loose, which clattered to the ground.
Aria side-eyed him. "…Ready?"
Laxin pointed defensively. "That was… a warm-up sneeze."
