The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqcokcgcT3
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOnyjAyfCT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWyTLLRYlL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Nm3fL1R9
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m2DQywDv7
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgVk8wLTgC
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn89EUlC3l
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgPiLKh9IS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTYvQ2Qcll
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCBJN3Bv6E
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktcz8CUxn1
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4opify2Jtb
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzzLANMews
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcNw6MpBwl
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGQDexKKJN
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSWCWaeQJE
"The Academy covers it."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2SeQvmrJP
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIuqJDrrUh
"But what if they don't? What if—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrmC5h8kJk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Ye6n2Et0
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQEEQy3W84
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuTfBJ0jLF
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7d9foOwam
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaeK703HDh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbUiSkkaHg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOZ0JtSIUg
The doors stood closed. Waiting.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OTATyDkBh
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1PbcUpJdH
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bFrPdAADb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQa8TNQLp0
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaHKifw8pm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk882AOikNs
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa2LREq8rd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXtBXhKWWt
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej28SiQBWH
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLkYObZ3AU
She consulted a scroll.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6WoinIOEm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHizw0b13h2
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Rx3zfwA0
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oPYU2VYt7
Several students shifted uncomfortably.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2bvJukgrM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco2phwbs4m
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH2SucgvFM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05iW4gqqM3
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFTUQeybrp
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuWMHaXpij
Saren called the first name.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPskcVZSVvJ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEdNzWtsJG
The line moved steadily.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5n1orzYRM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7l8iZr6D0
"Lior."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutGQoTM202
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUiUMZvFIi
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i4MU2VDpT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuDxLTwnYu
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxy1kxlXIS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Vm8gcccq
"Celvian."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hvLvEOjff
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Wqj8U7Pf
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h4wsD3q34
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M6GqlXNLy
The ballroom opened before him.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf4Y6JA7Pr
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuk8Zon3Lh
It was... excessive.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4OYCf2p4c
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipWDyfzTNP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l3xM25LUm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5XK800q9K
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbejFi0n3eD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZRfOuZg9S
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhTxv35dEu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9PIXcYRJB
Esrin.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NpX0azZIQ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIKxDhCGEP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5KLYLQBLT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRSmDCEGnt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqVoIImDlk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2TDv9FIjA
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvMdtXfqIK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnWOc7v6JK
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UGQMBPd1l
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV13fMBTPm
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z0qRa7CAE
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLPA8wQzSz
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBOfk9IIda
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtupuCuaHP
"Rise."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq0NAr2sfZ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanaWvL46gn
He straightened.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf16TlYxDB4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wqvzchvxw
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWK4PqamQ2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5mwFUykUA
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I506LbsZ9
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa94swQcs6
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnbr6xsjox
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCGAK7Z6EQ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXgT9zg8tM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cndMjXIt1
Then the doors opened wider.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V9C15z25U
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlNiDNo7AS
The nobles arrived.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkksjNavIl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG1Kd49twy
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5QGYCZJaN
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMawCF6MS4
They wore wealth.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP4V5A06M7
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLg5p7YvVs
And at their center stood Theron.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4frKzbBqvu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sz7bvG37Q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfql0FhIW7d
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMenWk96LUM
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDBBWhPveA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoV1diaAyt
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmIixXj6NL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTk5FSXi1q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7C4dfyEqf
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIjNNdmBj7
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBv0RCouew
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTAQ2roDlo
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfT2ektnSq
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3a9vbUjqY
And Hestia—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BUioHB73y
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRJ9O9Wmr
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE9xm11G0n
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuEFwRiEZH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVRTWMBOAJ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9QESATsPi
She looked like death given elegant form.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL2R25mC5F
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVKaijsqQ2
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTRE1cLVsn
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf2VMEJB3G
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya6ZwyVRFF
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSafkysLQJ8
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRXF6lyVwO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKcyPGO5nl
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunXJDjSzXX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CME2EO3gA
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiSe7xxqdd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m5UnyFOZn
She gestured broadly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwxQv6lUUl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnaJG3l87x
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzNGJIa9Kz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrtqjXBkRm
Her ruby eyes swept the room.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMJQC6LyTl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGAkjiPxiZ
"Begin."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T0ztAP6Yg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquSo5PT56C
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRstGMfJhqg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda64JpYoOO
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmOjSeLWIS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEgxDetDDF
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkZK8SKEpR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGx7S5pyGZ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMKrvsispW
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLLacih1uL
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCSkj834s1
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk21GDHNCh
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24ZqRmABbT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLUSkLnMp4
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3sWASXk9w
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sXroEhZzS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP5oqzRtSg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgkH6Tc7zF
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57zf1kxioP
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODgSrPBoZt
"I'm... not very hungry."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBK2gyf9sO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlPq67j0R9
The excuse came out stilted.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa5qhtKF27
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrqO6FzNfD
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBFdFIqTBf
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxLkleLWfh
"I'm fine." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfpGhWq0D1
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTedJ9xM3c
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzpECltndx
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YVDtXRLv5
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5GpGmK4ho
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vsw6rDwJ6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMxcvdcYMM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFG2N6ZrUB
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeEmHlJxaS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHEwb8ZRY0
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrWQGgP0k4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OzKNnFUQQ
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NxEK2TSCL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtlvnjPOaa
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1YwIsJaz4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZcLtgPu3G
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp537Jr00D
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZRBCuUIXW
"First dance. Find your partners."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUxfNNU0Qm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC0pNtRcUx
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZghXQqxaK4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6bodWxe3e
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62hQnhBvuY
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLR5UXaQBs
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4rfSgcG4b
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FxBVIrFZI
"Go."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZDeR4q0xi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuKyPE2Zol
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoVSYSfM00
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxrT6JeqgL
Cel remained where he was.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX7L8KBCKQ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpcOwqKKxX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5wUCJCFjZ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVtdRzc0jU
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PgHck1mYA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWW9teJufa
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pgdJU5zEx
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPIQskC8ty
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNoq590OKM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MZEX990Rh
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGXyX6o3EM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvP52OOZPi
'I should ask her.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVHXPa5LLQ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qb1wiBeoq
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLzvZpiImr
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJtI170la3
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhWaQzrSfq
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3EcJSMgRn
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3gpM2EXpn
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloPbreXO6V
The music swelled. The first dance began.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7fdXQ3jyG
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuYCHuOSye
Cel stayed where he was.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgzGQ0GIYi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRrkF9wYcq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qL4lxLJC3
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SvAUv88XR
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'This is ridiculous.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2deO81bdnD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY1r7cxDnY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuhYmQ1qvk
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A third dance began.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXQtNfTrXB
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His feet finally moved.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNhPL22GUi
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG70F9KRpe
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTHuuiaqX9
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvsri0sFQr
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He stopped at appropriate distance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SdTSDgELx
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ByFgQw46u
"Lady Hestia."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0JGJpyfY9
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMH0AhPRV1
"Celvian."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKreL3mx6Or
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YSnZDbWmU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1juV3SXm4Q
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhra9wELZUo
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbmduwsh2P
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4LanaBiDZ
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdZ4DgWL6y
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNJYJGvyka
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6lGYIni30
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Then her lips curved slightly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqKjBwVEmW
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFa9XD43nm
She extended one gloved hand.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcVowcWcss
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvB6MpkIL4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoD1GjdLki
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf3KKc80cu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEbo8RLjBk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnqO20kSgb
The music shifted. Began properly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4tnjYqr7Y
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They moved.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh2dslGjld
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rmQy5lOod
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54K1LiV8si
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatrA68NYKT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApgH80UqSj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBZBczn94T
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUr1rPMiI3
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdKjTKUZNt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R6m92z1XT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcT6556Ny4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewbij3fqGs
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGomL2sK5M
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG6qjLzttZ
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Hestia.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMTmpYTGio
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsadtqOCAe
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Beautiful.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu0tBhKME7
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhANuIOpQg4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRcZCW2GTo
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxNbw3sXqK
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Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY16Bp63s6s
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD65GkMZ4V
Heat crawled up his neck.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguRQGrpSBP
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8TeceOG9y
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh084bUPSQz
'Think of Selina.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloVqp4rtzp
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrmDbwTXD0
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZEtEyovQQ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fbCqtilpZ
The heat intensified.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA5VMsXZJ6
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'That's worse!'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe9LYFKBu0
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHiYkeE7gQ
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRqWHarLab
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A smile.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iutcLcpnW
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUZeHLfOXE
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjKAkUZoJS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AktLun56P
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3digARmbde
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"I—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8g8cwT0Sf
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWMJ4GAS71
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSP6IEuV06
The music stuttered. Stopped.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XGQB7ca79
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmss5gLiklP
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Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhAhqje9hU
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There.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS3dKITqqo
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBx2439Aeb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIj5xOBaVJ
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdQcweookA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NIBy9PHeP
The crowd parted as they approached.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYuwJrsv0w
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mHh8mACMR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl6vKl4Hyu
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL3fwq87jc
And standing above him—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdnjgMoJn9
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Kyros.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvQwiLX7Si
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection80ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDvZF0QVzb 尼

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