"Harder! Faster! Control! Deflect!" Asher's voice echoed through the clearing as Violet executed the series of moves he had taught her that morning. Well, them.
Annequin was here. Except this time, she was the test subject.
Unlike her mates, Violet could not attack them, but she could attack the former queen of Astaria, and she very much enjoyed it. The silver lining was that even if Violet lost control, Annequin could contain her power. That made the exiled queen the perfect punching bag.
They moved through the drill again. And again.
Violet struck first, channeling just enough of her power, keeping it tight, contained. Control. She increased her speed, adjusted her pace, met Annequin's counters, then reset.
Again. They repeated it. This time faster and
stronger.
Asher didn't let up. "Don't hesitate! Move!, move!"
Magic flared between them, volatile, but Violet held it. She shaped and directed it. Each strike more precise than the last.
