The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTAUWUxl1a
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3HZ2IUxHC
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHXwgryKxG
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLiExfLSDY
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1GGlXagvu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx9Owndxac
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMVZ3J3sLU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v7tGnoA1x
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRDsVdc6xz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBMGnoe91u
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7C0GfvrOK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5LNXh2rnH
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcN6KoIQe8
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRXUV9eEUK
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMFRMcxWpu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2f7NpQPuW
"The Academy covers it."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zxylm86xK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazWSq1YwPe
"But what if they don't? What if—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaC5kDziME
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqvpnstcde
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa384Bwre10
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsc1gokBnu
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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaon3VClnO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC1eHmkMZq
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Fjx0sfTt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmunScZFEI
The doors stood closed. Waiting.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRIRkFXXmw
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXbelOWeXA
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rbA4EaTpD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiUaGNCOGK
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF07YaLFnwk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqfyOxs3n6
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjbDglacgt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOqpABkg77
"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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvJU8f0KlL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPypm3B4Dg
She consulted a scroll.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysrGXh3Xhe
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtls0AoBCHa
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJdyeqNchM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9yzntxIy1
Several students shifted uncomfortably.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaypYEByia
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0AOmh06Fy
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1biNY71Wc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7f7wjHBny
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XWQVzNBaS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWC1MPngo8
Saren called the first name.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWu22YPELG
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vfJ3vJbj1
The line moved steadily.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOvGOxgtHb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ460j3LkgGY
"Lior."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgEsXNF726
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLY066sqm2
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2cSaudtX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGxMFNy98a
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8cvEnZmvc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNXPrpVq38
"Celvian."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCOd9tEKFm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW6X6WhCjY
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK4DxU6s65
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3pk9ooYtD
The ballroom opened before him.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfgPmF55NX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOk7XutHCA
It was... excessive.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdstHG6Sqf
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt96wCXPj7n
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnCST7hyQ2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXerKQ5JhUG
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFOWtSPdCl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHOx0buMzz
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CTWVDK0SR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXvgQtlGcN
Esrin.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHtNyGRWI8
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz2vH53AuD
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. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5if0cw1QW
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PnKNsXdx6
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANaI8nzSQR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsVsX3XKpT
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAnVg4E8sw
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2cxbMV0ZQ
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouXYpPXUFp
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo72MK6eUs
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqiSChkF9p
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9LIKkeDm0
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiRjJo6aFo
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPU1zuQ0wy
"Rise."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUUoj7oK2E
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl1Hxa2E4m
He straightened.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrBNliGjSk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJokJkKFK9S
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM2ru5JLYj
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MF4QDCF0W
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUcbXwvkdz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUGtmVZEqt
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovwJqcUj0j
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RRTI0pusI
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4XmXBZhtS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H2AGv0Dpm
Then the doors opened wider.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqeAkbBB1J
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8q2HHRSnP
The nobles arrived.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XdpLcBkwa
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h1acQxBky
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXwFhhGMUT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79BpncDayI
They wore wealth.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZEzfHpqmo
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2mLxF103z
And at their center stood Theron.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTwMsXSQ0
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7nzFYHhgm
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQgPnDZLth
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkpaedVopH
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl7JHGzDTn
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZUg9nMB25
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT2v2CmQUA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M6Eu1s57T
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLZyBkP1Ti
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55pz3IGJXW
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqsxklGoda
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhugBmR51MJ
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzBUqVnwNt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivm1EFhoR8
And Hestia—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfXNFdwmQ0
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gJt43Vvks
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8leiyd3Gt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xjR0gqF2q
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ48AgiK0AB
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoU9D0I5ll
She looked like death given elegant form.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kTsIoTqmz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTob2AokNJ
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOlID4pspT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww846ysNC3
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUeIRshmFf
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGFlnwNfSO
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42EA5IzT0W
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB8Bu5bdro
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zhJ8QbOrc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuipG6K3rU
"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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcinaFtnfs
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6gh9qJeqG
She gestured broadly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1416SzXtIR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjedmMEdbv
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8PQs73tPi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilvsXtG6iA
Her ruby eyes swept the room.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ212bQEdhRB
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9cpoOhnV2
"Begin."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrVyBDkHup
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY7SVoQUbB
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPJRVz1i3c
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXxVq4Qiyb
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnK2jSU1wO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UPSUaKN6Z
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdW3Psf2TE
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz51XmWnjR
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?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP1jSmxXaR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fz1Z6xgnP
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbijNobSVS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulzUs4bQNE
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07w4dR02Q7
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpLTkL41c0
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysZLOgA7go
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AIjXtviuP
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. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LSHTGxa49
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8yBE8GbMb
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXPk3mH1A2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytIlO7FGDN
"I'm... not very hungry."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3gVg85SRo
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP4o1ExVpc
The excuse came out stilted.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC19obP66Ns
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ayFxBT9dc
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EvLrsklr2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3SlWtr9ML
"I'm fine." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnUqwcNVIr
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptpxj6F6zn
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGWK7b2V16
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgGMOnGuBt
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjxAifsXOm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y3hfpD4oi
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWNHuVtAEN
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIocjxstMtG
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBiVAba3jU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Ahca92hp
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxibcu9hAbu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZt5wpza3U
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzi6h03VTQ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu4Yl5zPNj
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8BbQT0TPv
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrvvftO9ja
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGM8EABFwd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52FhW1GtgS
"First dance. Find your partners."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYAJ00Bj0B
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP1DUJilbX
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2E9qmUmxq
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64aqYFSkny
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1jqr1yxyg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GACu38mFE
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaDdJ17L9h
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB3ys3Kgk7
"Go."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrMEA8GxEu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWLMC10dwB
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnivgPulKS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF76EQ1pQBR
Cel remained where he was.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0gxixovfV
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAORNSKxyCA
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOP5KyWh5h
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OE5Qqm7xd
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dgpvf2Lib
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmeaoyEr0k
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVZP4s4UET
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g9gzVqpyN
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQscjOW4qK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWZUvppxqg
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i7qym5MEs
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmh0fgBbXl
'I should ask her.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmkM9Fqkql
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZMBOla540
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffLCYfoVj
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob2dGMmjiX
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoUzspNOUH
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP71rJKBD6
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgQAUEXnZW
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrWk4Kv65c
The music swelled. The first dance began.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVGBIKjohl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGya4fe47xn
Cel stayed where he was.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0Bay5kQym
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WpxwOBUg1
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72RzDgLQvc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLsmgYxVRX
Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n0S9BvFtW
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'This is ridiculous.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmf64j9CBl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3G6Yzbxre
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuzlRs8rff
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A third dance began.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGq8f9i4hP
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His feet finally moved.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFvTgYYLnZ
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyMjYcBJPr
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I3pXZ0Mji
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpXXes1fs8
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He stopped at appropriate distance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21HZToSnFO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvefdizGaKN
"Lady Hestia."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWDLjzPNI5
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbeUVpyUZv
"Celvian."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF6kMSgWM5
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDEexG49J4
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfjdXiT9t9
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS2hkRGrSB
"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?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxGX9oDyFI
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqsHGLbbSq
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEh6TF1Tmr
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For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qhEN2Fe4o
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HIDmgxHxC
Then her lips curved slightly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jAPuO6pKH
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEk9AdQ6sP
She extended one gloved hand.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1uMj6EGnv
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWHgSAjqso
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLKg3iF1x6
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDQOZOrKGV
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKnHcfOBRU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mxNH2jMAr
The music shifted. Began properly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawNlJbez11
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They moved.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYTsgnMsge
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhyLL3PQWR
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFhnbQeIhC
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2H1WFMuB7
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD3Y1VdEHX
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Cel just tried not to step on her feet.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjl7pMkwzh
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaMD0PO1BK
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Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70ssxmnmK0
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5p6uTLCWw
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Hestia.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtwpJc4XhD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzjbcJaLLX
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4HEoXDfs5
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Beautiful.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3RM8l2SAb
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno7tldayiO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCrgkgfFai
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreecLshDQs
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Bg41H1WA
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAokEJp6ln0
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Heat crawled up his neck.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQLw0v3t3x
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOpuUC8QFe
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'Think of Selina.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPixKCnoCbp
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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—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YoDjSSSOM
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The heat intensified.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCCA2J0b2E
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'That's worse!'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrcksQUf5B
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkaCqGwhrW
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxbr4d85H1
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A smile.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQtW0wTFki
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXida7yff0
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU4RJ0LdzJ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50vsPpUizg
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw0HbBTcFu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfay4VmrYhZ
"I—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHFmWxbNkm
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhjm7GSGRL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrsXPBA85u
The music stuttered. Stopped.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiVP4Nz94X
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc5DUMw15f
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSTLCUq3sO
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNYhoBAK6U
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There.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Eb7pcwVI
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CuJ4M4s3A
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7tmMEBwpe
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqTUUSn3wN
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The crowd parted as they approached.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmav0oJtWR4
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxqf5TKJ4U
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And standing above him—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy41NtGDTM
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Kyros.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsFpjXUK8e
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection80ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjv5N3VXxs 尼

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