She made her move, a cautious opening of her own pawn. The moment her piece touched the square, the game reacted immediately.
The energy on the board flickered, a wave of subtle energy passing through the pieces, but it was nothing more than a slight drain on her power—barely noticeable. Yet, for all the ease with which they moved, Petne felt the subtle weight of Morgana's gaze on him, her mind clearly processing how this game worked.
"The game doesn't punish the wrong move," Petne explained, his voice low, guiding her as he leaned in closer. "It punishes the hesitation. It drains a little for every wrong move, but it's not the energy that matters. It's the pressure it puts on your thoughts, your instincts. Make your moves like you mean them."
Morgana nodded, but her brow furrowed slightly. Petne could feel her trying to hold onto control, her pride as the Empress not allowing her to falter easily.
