---
The second lesson was Control. The Matron raised her wings, and a dozen ember wisps floated into the air like tiny suns.
"Reach for one." She commanded.
Fenna extended her hand toward the nearest flame mote. As she did, the ember danced erratically, lashing out in every direction like a scared animal.
"Calm it," the Matron warned. "It reacts to your fear."
Fenna shut her eyes again. She pictured the ember as a baby bird lost in the wind—not wild, just afraid. Her heartbeat slowed to match its pulsing rhythm.
The ember drifted into her palm. It hovered gently, spinning like a lazy firefly. She didn't flinch. She smiled.
"It dances with you," the Matron said. "Good."
The third lesson was Bonding.
Dusk fell slowly. Emberling, the baby phoenix, stirred from her curled-up sleep and sneezed a small puff of smoke. The chubby chick blinked its golden-orange eyes and waddled toward Fenna on stubby legs.
