The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmV4qdU7av
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzrl6VEu2J
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5KeDzmGAM
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK9kRHIjYc
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMoVTxogvM
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpMpFSnAGS
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPzVK6Q90M
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiItTIZx2R0
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQwIH1C8Xc
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm4I0ricMp
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey7VYzgld5
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcYeM35OBT
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsiEXVK6r4
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdnInpYXHa
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xF8ERl3dn
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXqQ730zBb
"The Academy covers it."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVkp6IqaOi
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRLfOwPMD7
"But what if they don't? What if—"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHYxXXSMrl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mS4L1jkt6
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jd9mLtpsU
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25SBSaFh8V
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."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOueqxuGduj
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyeU2NJIcA
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDkTijIFGP
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgLOM7eWFa
The doors stood closed. Waiting.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWUithFk2e
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvH5CMWH3v
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8aqMGCLdo
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GoRZVARWr
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFBoDT0EfB
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7viFRCWvT
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifhD9nJuh3
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzSAc0qEQf
"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."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslAp4w5rZS
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV6wdB0nAw
She consulted a scroll.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruSlEnC2Ao
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4BBCoHYLg
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm1FTAMSii
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuBF6la84y
Several students shifted uncomfortably.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcREgbP9rX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS67loyLlq
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV30v72rDf
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoCNynZvck
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKNWoJ7rao
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNai8yf6I7
Saren called the first name.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjVnLe09E0
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61lJWVTp5P
The line moved steadily.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA1gcXdNXl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G702aIyR2
"Lior."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBYmWN9fym
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KWBzjW2A2
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt0cyCnMJL
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuHJi62M5E
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvA1GTYU8V
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3iLWFrOZX
"Celvian."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Rt6cpU7z
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46ssjnz2SY
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFjgJMzSoU
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AcfMRGcyT
The ballroom opened before him.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdRjfmzIiV
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw4mXlIxOf
It was... excessive.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPuhWjKb0H
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lFI5hEkr3
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG24gBTPDX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsHxrGJHuq
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHSMEHXNOX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWKGc8Xg7z
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUhrr05Cd9
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRq6qimxWT
Esrin.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39yKoDlIpR
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTzNtm12KQ
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. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV07S7EOvT
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAat5LIZIqI
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUGf6tdfCZ
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKcUry5n4r
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZSGfImTEk
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYOgx5vxRt
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL24K7aVhpz
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF2FgC5Zix
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE02yytwemS
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3dUQyJVQq
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjt4DoepvY
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcyNL3oBnQ
"Rise."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiN64yeX0F
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlILBOSeuS
He straightened.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QwO7cMx0a
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgypf1sSRe
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiLC07Ipbr
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtGwoIGMmN
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ5Qy6SzMX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbOKGlvQ7a
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmxe5Qy8Ud
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kkueM6Eo5
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLra0iZUlS
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDIRcJb5mD
Then the doors opened wider.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu3yuQuM12
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyvuME3rDb
The nobles arrived.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R2EN4O1pq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TTtM0vTC3
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zSvZ2Vyne
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMRgF5qgJ6
They wore wealth.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZendOapuW
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnasqjrD0b
And at their center stood Theron.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZPLqPJ8al
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqfR25B1NP
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHFLjTTcfq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUFcMQzBAz
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2m4YIfuUn
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RGt9SHbgl
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXozrvIzE26
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVn7dInM04
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPTgOJQP7f
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwggxvuHmH
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRJzTXYXwi
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkSEMTo7eW
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FoXunL5Tb
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW21JQhtEcG
And Hestia—36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW56v2bhHpU
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZnyfTZox3
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIggHBuz0X
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfExRxSY8aI
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c1rSujrkV
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcgKNIOXDj
She looked like death given elegant form.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQcIXqu46w
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw3Sam8wBq
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoynSxVxcNX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvU9qFXffh
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs6spvknVO
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWGCLDYhUD
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HbggHCccq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcYKLoVDaf
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeM2zv7oKa
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThuUZp1rCS
"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."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMMKIpdb3v
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjGauBWyUn
She gestured broadly.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHKMhUuMXw
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9x1MLi2hE
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOxPBDuD3S
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMwEfxqMMH
Her ruby eyes swept the room.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWIGU890qe
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxY8sbI9w7
"Begin."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6EFIKhTtG
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2kaiVNhTS
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ2MP6i1bh
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3H0cFM1ia
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMhNlL0A8h
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS5DVqx0hp
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocoM4ie58l
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBKPXjuUdJ
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?"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz20FjlTTnr
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iw7ndZOWS
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vgvia65NY
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQacobbnFj
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSOqv3fDPb
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh6Aulchq2
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kSgT3zjnL
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bgBnhlVxr
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. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBTsiD5wZX
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwM3AkoS0D
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc6yl3Pnh3
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXiRnXEtLU
"I'm... not very hungry."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Og7KfYWFk
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLUe6Eysgo
The excuse came out stilted.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFE78PfYIl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Ij1b3O2L
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIceKdOy2eu
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27ado8WGen
"I'm fine." 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV1evPPjvK
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIw2jc8jkG
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeaVE8eZdl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyg6k9lsDW
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheldCk8ZSl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TqE1FlHgR
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYwkk23Dw1
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4mHGMiyvn
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qN7ZmESDf
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIvAC1vuUz
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4tQiViT81
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNkBN1oBHZ
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkD3gf2Dds
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH2qwaXL5a
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypq52u49QE
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNYIPA0uO9
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweAY1hooBt
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVjOsi9PDX
"First dance. Find your partners."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXIVyg9Jua
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmf4RjLovg
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdffiw8ZeL
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51BPt6zlmK
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3aRLM363U
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJTy8c2R0W
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5IGAO52Ov
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2lwpR6wE6
"Go."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5EdX2W6d1
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QjvB4510A
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJigRpcYN6
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNA0VOHFHo
Cel remained where he was.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCpy0SkEvd
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7zJZFtzvz
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FT2DrfVcC
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTkdWIy1sL
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLqYRPNi1k
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQSlYXb86r
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2SRk04VHd
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfzpeo7imT
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ0rV7jsEp
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee4NmmcR72
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsC0uYPonj
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrKghLZAhU
'I should ask her.'36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabBwVHYAYd
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgZAYsrxME
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnHbmSjlam
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnGHgKeA3R
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc8Wse3szx
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8hSmz9Zru
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfa7jBjpQb
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvlZsNef3E
The music swelled. The first dance began.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX43PfQzbQ
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIya8oAaEoH
Cel stayed where he was.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpaaGFqBEz
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFTPQ3r5VJ
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE9Z2iQiZ2
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gybSsoS3R
Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCMVBAfOm9
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6QNA5dooK
'This is ridiculous.'36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNVlVjaM7u
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFQRhVqWdK
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8A9xewj0X
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWCbbBpSmu
A third dance began.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZPJqsOECp
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpiqvrmJwi
His feet finally moved.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaniQbSDkp1
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInaYQOeWe6
Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf58ZfiReV
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGhXto8axW
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwsO5u48Ct
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1mgxPrGFq
He stopped at appropriate distance.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDDNU1NSiE
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vBPrNxw4k
"Lady Hestia."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw8V1YtxXy
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07WtZo1Nyr
"Celvian."36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuB7ysBEZQ
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aD6Ra6WvO
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrqCKQth7h
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJDhv2g881
"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?"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuGVFNJL2P
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpDEC0uvph
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCZXIzwPgD
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqSvNWZhjZ
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRFbRqG5iN
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhIvaIMuX0
Then her lips curved slightly.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCsQR7RtYf
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqB4zplwC5
She extended one gloved hand.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAqk4iQSvH
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTtEWCYNVv
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFxv87MPzC
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKclOGkvCn
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI2JsrBUOi
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUCwOvmc9y
The music shifted. Began properly.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zlvft9Blo
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ7kBh7RLT
They moved.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh3jicjwis
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcix8IgdpR
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiWrGA1Btq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS8i2pziWD
But theory and practice were different things entirely.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dJEuRCScE
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTclnvhXNiT
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X4NtLZsnm
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlubm520hR
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MXCU5s59R
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3dv1yNUvh
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyrp6w7vvU
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUsnYBLg7u
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoQIGTUdX2
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIdLzBFf73
And in the center of it all, impossibly close—36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4rhzPDdUL
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYjdWihRcc
Hestia.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLj59KlaRa
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl3sEdfUfF
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9OgbCirgO
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W6v5dxMes
Beautiful.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTIBX5lrVv
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iKKxpq2QQ
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbFnTi6pWg
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNphfKeQjD
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ui7n7LQvG
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7lNF5DbX1
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXSpSgz2dW
Heat crawled up his neck.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcGtrwbZoe
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD63094K5w
He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNtbtWXGQ2
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPb8ULhPA0
'Think of Selina.'36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzNOb4pwMk
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSLjE1E9mB
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—36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiVXHC6fZq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkwClO2ybI
The heat intensified.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtupkC64P0o
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYIaOfXxIQ
'That's worse!'36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizt4C8b3sb
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7EPhaNyPY
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO33w0nY2X
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWyVQkqSkE
Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAY901a9ZD
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONEF7HQNvG
A smile.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqXtAKC6Sk
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbpWDqEANq
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEXNC76DD8
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMWplo5llC
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqemqVN75Hn
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzMT6OPK9Z
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZq8hJ5L03
"I—"36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXbt37KupP
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUkv3mnF7T
Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH35snZ9FBE
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOYStlsaRs
The music stuttered. Stopped.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8iqBazvp4
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZRrN9y6Pv
Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbHy3cTpUl
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zrYXx1P5f
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHzZpInWOR
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHIAdIhe99
There.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRaMwxW85U
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIysEcdtq2
Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa7GRcai3w
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWeseoBBW
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SMp1HY0pI
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcB6h9hObM
The crowd parted as they approached.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcmIuyw8bF
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt7W1qVt1C
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.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iRuMeysPH
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimw9A4KDgr
And standing above him—36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9isXZPU43O
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6swJzC3Nne
Kyros.36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OBJnBRTbu
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxfiP1avwi
His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection32ＰＥＮＡＮＡb71rqWdFBl 尼

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