The arena pulsed like the beat of a giant drum, dust swirling as if the world itself was watching something important being born.
Fenric's creation suddenly swung its half-formed arm, smashing stone into pieces. But his silver flames tightened instantly, stopping it mid-strike. His eyes sharpened, not shaken.
"Good," he muttered. "If it fights, it means it lives. Now—obey." The flames closed in, shaping bones and muscles until the arm calmed, the defiance fading into control.
Laxin's creature fought harder. Its torso twisted against the chains, thrashing to break free before even forming legs. Laxin only grinned, his teeth flashing. "You think you're testing me? Wrong." He yanked the chains tight, glowing links locking the body in place until it stiffened, forced into submission.
