The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxpzpyvOXh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPY8lwghyj
Cel stood before the mirror in his room, studying the transformation. Dark fabric - not quite black, more like charcoal in certain light - fitted to his frame with precision that suggested actual measurement rather than guesswork. Silver threading traced the cuffs and collar in patterns that caught the lamplight. The crescent moon over his heart gleamed in matching silver.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLCxoyhU6P
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPaC2czhUF
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsbojIBE2l
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2BL8Wqd8H
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFCfmRrKgM
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The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94qRnfalGE
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Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpHZMo5VCl
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3yfoVLYO4
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTEc12W3wY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hJipDkjmV
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdJFKxySmm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNwERlud4Y
"The Academy covers it."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Iiq7VlBhg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxd4HefGVT
"But what if they don't? What if—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO1gjCMr0a
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jxgQEvm2l
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0whB71cL6A
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpBYEr55PZ
Lior hurried to keep pace, hands still fidgeting with invisible creases. "Right. Yes. They said that. I just—these are nicer clothes than I've ever owned. Than my parents have ever owned."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4bhtEJgCX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGTFNMnXOT
The ballroom waited at the Academy's western wing - a space rarely used, kept pristine for occasions like this. When they arrived, students had already begun gathering outside the entrance. Commoners clustered together, adjusting collars and sleeves with nervous fingers.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfciQylPTJA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2UmAIBABP
The doors stood closed. Waiting.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1yRspD0E3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoArLUcpfDX
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAXURL9CkM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu1t2xh8M8
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAX48N2xY9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaSyYeEj9E
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptyS0hCLe6
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO6zgrRHZM
"Listen carefully." Her voice cut through the murmurs. "You will enter one at a time. When your name is called, you will walk to the center of the ballroom and pay your respects to Lady Esrin. She serves as tonight's organizer."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTFQhklcRY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFZ440kLch
She consulted a scroll.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYdfguJVu0
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBfIKNLEGE
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGnkggJwaj
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4khNhR1vhA
Several students shifted uncomfortably.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI5OSMg3Cr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqSP5abUA7
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQXWjKDAuJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXgHwxo1ME
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegwr4dZbwF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL2J72IuxV
Saren called the first name.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9HGcBhf61
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RXcCDzqCU
The line moved steadily.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3czjrLOPk
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"Lior."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt10GnzgN2c
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He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglE6IlJ0HM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1U6XlNDW8
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsatuO5q1H3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnKXiWTWs8
"Celvian."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qXd0MBB2v
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHLwR1PTUK
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAAyTS9k04
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbzvd5iTuO
The ballroom opened before him.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONii3z2N1h
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It was... excessive.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5nCHV7RlV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiSZmpA8Vd
Chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, their crystal drops catching lamplight and scattering it across walls painted in pristine and gold. The floor gleamed - polished wood so clean it reflected everything above. Windows lined one wall, floor to ceiling, currently draped in heavy fabric but promising views of the grounds beyond.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2cGSo4bAI
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGKw9cB1oH
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TYRksqVgs
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnLl73jzqW
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXaioWZg8N
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Esrin.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG01IXcg0fP
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRVMoaojHE
Ash-white hair spilled loose down her back, the pale strands catching the chandeliers' light. Her gown matched the color - pristine white adorned with red gems that caught light when she moved. The fabric flowed like water, elegant without being ostentatious. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ur6coUihc
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsrCWtWFSb
But it was her bearing that commanded attention. The way she held herself - not rigid, not posed, just... present. Like gravity itself bent slightly in her direction.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU9tbwQzgB
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi3LpNsV6y
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IHAZ6bVwX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7RFuitEdF
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPgstPnfDx
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz32Cj8dLnr
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWqJmnlzWX
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Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3I6ruoqWw
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu4yEmvrS6
"Rise."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0rLxOdBOO
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He straightened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChf3BtaoRy
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Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4PDO4r4T4
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGdB7y8atW
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qNIo7rgjV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXyapWXOx7
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQanmoitZ4
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKSgks2lPy
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXyGk1gD33
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Then the doors opened wider.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDyXFeNimV
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The nobles arrived.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEefGFVhA7
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Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaws9v7U64
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjJA96yv6w
They wore wealth.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzlzy03uuL
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And at their center stood Theron.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepgzQBAc65
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAA3exaiKp
The All-Blessed moved with the nobles as if he belonged there, despite being officially a commoner like the rest of them. His outfit was understated by noble standards - deep green with gold threading that caught the light, the seven divine marks embroidered across his chest in perfect detail. Simple. Elegant. Expensive enough to feed a village for months.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ969VBWmk4u
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PseN2IC5p
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27gJirBLkg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY1bQ9NuWL
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7NiA5h2QT
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJxXZodbx2
Cordelia wore ocean blue that shifted through different shades as she moved, like water catching sunlight. Pearls traced her neckline and cuffs - actual pearls, not imitations.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0ZoLNBzzJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefUMG0EWQE
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt6lK4XlFG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf8O9wQdr4
Kyros blazed in fire-red and gold, the Sun God's mark practically radiating from his chest. Everything about his outfit screamed wealth and status.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdq1QeBTWI
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6tiRp1JtB
And Hestia—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFp5hXEbUo
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She entered last, separated slightly from the others.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqrMFMPz8i
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA7AxaGMdz
Black fabric that seemed to drink light rather than reflect it. Crimson accents adorned her dress - perfectly matched to her eyes. Jet-black hair hung loose, spilling over pale shoulders.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdkvojWRmS
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeGDZ2IOt5
She looked like death given elegant form.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQMTiC9Q01
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoF33ebKA5
The nobles paid their respects to Esrin with practiced grace - each bow or curtsy perfectly timed, each acknowledgment carrying just the right tone. Even Theron moved through the ritual with the ease of someone who'd been trained for it, despite his humble origins.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhWXgyR4uJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo5CQounSr
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4yApJTbpS
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4jKkQmEah
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1282lE2mPi
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GxhKwkyJF
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CP7Wz0g0O
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hM1L2YR1l
"Tonight, you practice formal introduction and basic ballroom etiquette. These skills matter. Not for show, but because diplomatic gatherings require them. You will represent your affiliations at such events. Your conduct reflects on those who took you in."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx1vs1LKTJ
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She gestured broadly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyHf2afvuu
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"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pQYoahQvL
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3BCbnH3Ej
Her ruby eyes swept the room.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kb5TxXoBh
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"Begin."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5kwSoCfBv
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The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9h6Gg523i
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpuBsdbcxt
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClGwvvl53f
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq8zpxwLHB
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW2tw1wrVR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp0Sl0cFxr
He gestured at the spread. "Look - candied fruits from the western territories. Real chocolate from the southern sea. Do you know how rare that is?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6VQbS5Gpj
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFT5ZwRbki
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVz7SDtq1r
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Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EDRZVo0tG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjQlTLbHug
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y5SMmNSiu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhl4u7jbds
Cel stared at the offered pastry. Everyone around him marveled at flavors he would never experience again. The reminder of what he'd lost - what had been taken from him - settled like ash in his mouth. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8sDNkwuXX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J56QwXstq
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nig5DKqYa
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWYMDPhbJD
"I'm... not very hungry."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCPW59rhgL
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8XLzVPDSD
The excuse came out stilted.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1A0CztUOO
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5kvPz8FYP
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xQXujADP9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAk6H6PmnI
"I'm fine." 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k2aYC3uzR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZqlgv6Ng5
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4snWfwtOB
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cEAwLF61h
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyfCWEjJWG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa31YA1IGUr
They drifted through the ballroom, observing. The nobles occupied the center naturally, their conversations carrying the easy confidence of people who belonged. Theron laughed at something Owen said, already integrated into their group as if the distinction between noble and commoner had simply ceased to matter for him. Cordelia and Percival spoke quietly near one window.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB8cITCkyJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrluh43RqX0
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnI4DOiKmF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctImLWN1AZ
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzLsyNKzq0
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AJfKAyHiV
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV2xUJf93S
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF8qkSdE6X
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzZpXfMBPf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzZ1v7Hr9G
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7e8W0OayK
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRBj0tmtU2
"First dance. Find your partners."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna7WhRui6m
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3n2bBedIx
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJTeKkJMIr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWS3uAv86v
Lior straightened, gaze searching. His eyes landed on a girl across the room - dark hair, nervous smile. The one who'd taken his place at the bottom of the rankings after his improvement.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq87W6CYBg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3cjb3VRc3
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpXdkGutY3
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"Go."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1ASeF1DCh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZUaHKLycH
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDVGwPwkZm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGFbn3EDuW
Cel remained where he was.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSQKNvGWLA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LBBohDDTQ
The ballroom continued to pair off. Couples formed and reformed, some confident, others uncertain. But the pattern was clear - people gravitated toward familiarity. Toward safety.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f6U0o2Pkd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVakvQJuCm
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbVttExsVV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz53l1ohE8c
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtbB3J4xmt
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjrWkjAsIk
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz9Fy0FmYs
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtlqy4xix
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YIY624TZD
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVnQVUty3A
'I should ask her.'83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76Ci6uHwtY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lprbpyrb6
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANIvluU7Gl
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrO8nvtVXM
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbJYIaJTem
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUMDkRBZ4y
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm2pjOZDkL
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYrL16LnpK
The music swelled. The first dance began.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyjRoqrnaG
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Cel stayed where he was.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDFNzPCH5e
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A second dance was called. More couples took the floor. Lior spun his partner with surprising enthusiasm, both of them laughing at some shared mistakes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWyonKqFel
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMfPyS9RX4
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'This is ridiculous.'83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3R7Dkev0p
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Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIG52zhJgz
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A third dance began.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaZsPQdAOP
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His feet finally moved.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQHh2bC9om
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqx8Vytc4a
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She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DH8qPCGxk
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He stopped at appropriate distance.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxeIZNeXRa
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"Lady Hestia."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0HAxBQUlQ
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"Celvian."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk4EtqXKbD
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Silence stretched between them. Around them, couples were already moving through their steps. The music swelled, filling the space he should be filling with words.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBYps9NPuG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE9EgEfaPA
"Would you..." The words stuck in his throat. This was rude. Presumptuous. A commoner asking a noble to dance when she hadn't indicated any interest. "Would you grant me the honor of this dance?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQgtl5Iykg
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Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO0IZVoo77
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For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SsWzBhDrh
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Then her lips curved slightly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUUgZuX8Mi
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She extended one gloved hand.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHT6IpbQTu
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Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnPyzSGY5E
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UycezLfVH
His hand found her waist - the proper position, exactly as Instructor Saren had drilled into them during etiquette lessons. Her hand settled on his shoulder.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRTXSePpSy
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The music shifted. Began properly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4KPQKei7s
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They moved.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTElh2SW2a
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Cel had learned the steps during those evening lessons, and even before. One-two-three, one-two-three. The basic waltz that every student practiced until it became reflex.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3d6D562Pt
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz06s83xOAW
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Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwyHLKKnYk
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Cel just tried not to step on her feet.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIVaeNijJg
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They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwSyLGozrR
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Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kE40MZNDx
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1rkJbtO5v
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Hestia.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEAVlmG6ak
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Pale skin that seemed to glow in the lamplight. Crimson eyes fixed on his face with unwavering attention. Lips the color of fresh blood, slightly parted as she breathed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcktIKhm8w
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Beautiful.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvjizPvGmL
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrifY6gT5Y
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Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWOdSHgSzZ
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Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLe8aROSl9
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Heat crawled up his neck.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeadQgiFSC
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He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5zCcJLs9U
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'Think of Selina.'83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5UBaf7UB7
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The command rang through his mind like a lifeline. Yes. Selina. Silver hair and masked serenity. The gentle patience in her voice. The way she'd held him when he'd broken down—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwYfu9l1KN
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The heat intensified.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6dKmoIzRM
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'That's worse!'83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLqg1BSWBt
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His face burned. Hestia's crimson eyes tracked every detail - the flush spreading across his cheeks, the way his jaw had gone tight, the obvious discomfort.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTvfszPeaL
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyS5odvtMl
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A smile.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAx8sbeQIX
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbImqIhIwjE
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK7acNEHx5
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtvaHYLLbW
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K2UN8BuZ4
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"I—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1WZXJdt7O
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBIeRZbNsS
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The music stuttered. Stopped.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5BcM4X00N
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MknLmqnUP
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Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡympOrMDZPV
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There.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOjovclcXb
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3U9m8O1LH
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Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ25H17O8nn
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The crowd parted as they approached.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXzx8gkjaY
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Lior knelt on the floor, hands pressed against polished wood. His shoulders shook. Broken glass scattered around him - crystalline fragments catching light, liquid spreading in a dark stain.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSgZbQWr1s
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And standing above him—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZEZcbacYh
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Kyros.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKqIJAw4I8
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection79ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhxhZ7do2R 尼

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