The sponsor-forged blade stopped one finger above Nox's left shoulder. Jax's entire arm shook against golden restraints, holding the weapon through strength that belonged to him instead of the patron using his channels. Neither movement looked voluntary to anyone watching through the public divine channel.
"You are embarrassing yourself before the only audience that matters," Astra said through his mouth.
"She cannot move him without permission, though the contract can punish every refusal," Nox replied.
Appraise displayed seven sponsor marks tightening around Jax's muscles at once visibly. Each mark carried an accepted reward, a promised future service, plus enough accumulated pain to make resistance look like willing movement.
[ Sponsor possession authority: 44% ]
[ Direct motor control remains unavailable ]
[ Contract punishment active ]
[ Consent may be obtained through protected-person leverage ]
