Samuel guided her hands to the correct position on the outer line of the transmutation circle and placed his own next to hers. The light contact of their skin would be enough for him to listen in. They were at opposite sides of the table—she, where he was accustomed to stand; he, looking at her.

He searched for Themis's gaze until their eyes met and said: "We are ready. Call on your magic and direct it through your hands into the circle. As soon as you have established the connection, you will know."

Other than a wand, which was an open conductor of magic pointed outwards, a transmutation circle was a closed system that had a backflow of energy into the body; it was a different beast entirely. It would feel like something snapped into place, and suddenly expanded the field of awareness beyond its physical boundaries.

"As soon as the copper suspends itself in the air, you have successfully established the system where the transmutation takes place," he said. "Then you can try to alter it."

As soon as she had accomplished that part, he would provide further direction. It was important now to not give too much information at once , he thought. She needed to focus.

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