The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG4xOdI6Jb
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEKSfDAxOq
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDt8DMO5XZ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc33kxY5Hv
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YAe054AzC
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjcxs9mtWC
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjsH7mGR6x
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjaGaXbYl7
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQC70wtUTb
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctvo6nW5UG
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHBuPfBKvQ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbyT0oUJIE
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLfWZDA6JU
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAzVpaXz76
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSRXb8Gnwq
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0bmSuc8MQ
"The Academy covers it."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc9U6CPtfN
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX0X6YQfCl
"But what if they don't? What if—"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB1KZwSbc1
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06QamkLcOV
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDpwPFydaA
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprTiepl21h
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."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFdyetf844
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVfRNFHwDz
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlYhhNDh2v
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ329iguwzz0
The doors stood closed. Waiting.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6NOqZbHud
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ402mPMMCpU
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmDhAnA88E
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdMsLeIUeF
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NVpm0jq9H
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuEJwt3x0d
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGmINPdQuj
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuUSV6mfnF
"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."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20sAtGIstJ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VUjR0qbnQ
She consulted a scroll.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKrPUIjsk0
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRaOoBPrcE
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfuvXmUKlz
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRdwLax0Bu
Several students shifted uncomfortably.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSwipCoSH2
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwjSVC5Rq2
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmSlQgGrZy
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCgoxavlnd
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBcM28qRiQ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6DWaoKCMU
Saren called the first name.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhYJXOJSk6
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wgJR8k56R
The line moved steadily.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSu67r2QJE
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyKOTYP0Qz
"Lior."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG32Fdgrle8
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEqHf2VMiO
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxF94ESX77
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkft2ik6ue6
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHNLNJMX4R
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xyFMmYnBq
"Celvian."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkix0W6h0z
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH83O2Htx35
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rWwb1ychF
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe6hiqO8Hh
The ballroom opened before him.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyZb4ipK5n
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD1U4awQnl
It was... excessive.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPcV2JtQGS
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdKtPufKba
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESbnhhU9Dd
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGzlobo0I4
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejVOH7BLif
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunPZgVxf14
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxGtTpzjXd
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJVEWpSjgA
Esrin.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg5ZyxrS3T
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7rgWBYJXh
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. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a5EakIpFN
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysEkD5LCsJ
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkrpTu1PZG
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcv2MU3bZt
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J8GuKiYSS
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylwdUg3fe0
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz398BjmtsZ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaSpzZMmIG
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXpjgZgwBy
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFH4kaoa3m
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAC2Yq0j2D
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9C11V9Wpk
"Rise."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeF4eJmc4l
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA4gyZAqqh
He straightened.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjiI16JKAV
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa0Jq9b3DO
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIGq5kFODp
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV0WZf7kec
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEiWNUDodA
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZcJW9DdDT
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWoiBQ8p8s
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPUnI3VirZ
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCam4YE0h9
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoCBIniFz1
Then the doors opened wider.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrC7fanuHT
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYorprGnb6U
The nobles arrived.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNZ1T6lb67
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zug8T6aJq
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlzMBvqc9y
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1mq71zwd4
They wore wealth.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XSB8a2ITc
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvL5DELhHX
And at their center stood Theron.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQpRKxZTzM
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDGS87pRou
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0f9LMihol
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jFJm86c0o
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYsxwc6Ke3
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCCO1kvgR7
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe39GJEQ7pO
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvTtUbJjYV
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVPpHT6wBj
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyigexGCN5
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPMcbsPJ4k
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIWrPVCjZZ
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS210lvofP
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNA7dc3RlX
And Hestia—47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Isd4iiI5Y
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Nf5ytYM4q
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uM7hxzAxa
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRd4DI44Ap
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLeLwkcUoP
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fstFRHGK7
She looked like death given elegant form.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxy4csxTLx
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiMgWtYcth
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlIHwoPhBB
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCjt0tROfq
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GtM1SIxSi
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8uxJsbyGE
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmlB9HT80s
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ2Eb8xpfj
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIJqijJVor
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkTTRHwmjY
"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."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Nl3lKevDg
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEj4g9ckay
She gestured broadly.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgSlqVyPz9
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnSZhJPzca
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscJ0cdzE7q
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRqfzkvMfL
Her ruby eyes swept the room.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDcJWr0u91
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K196kss78
"Begin."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJlJhQa9nX
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PiIkGy5W8
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv74BeGfZL
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6krKJ0Mih
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImo7zWtpig
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHc8hY6ZpL
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqfgAORJJQ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtqe3pk8Wi
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?"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifPS6tXkl0
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIoZOR9zd1
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5gd3thr7G
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH3BgBi1b0
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaxTpNuOqg
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89CBZ1RbEP
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOTDHl80kh
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfZHtMcFQ6
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. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EcdeCNW99
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPssyWvVmF
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS09InCmGvz
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E0iZtbFT7
"I'm... not very hungry."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xmNJY6Iuj
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq1Imlw8jk
The excuse came out stilted.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdMjMFVJmn
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtseazje4vw
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Q4MbvKXK
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc4vNgyLGQ
"I'm fine." 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcz7cmEY0Z
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF1rYobRtf
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA2Q3svGiV
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsJRzd8be5
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFqGGAEnqU
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h3fLdwU2F
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQVWBY3tvx
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNaM9LoNqA
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKeYireEcD
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjowfVTA6K
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRDXUqjYv1
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf2jV7BK1p
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Zi5AMycW
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj865prwpOX
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX61Gz00qho
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtXYbnWYTw
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRjdvidgZJ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6JWSSbTMA
"First dance. Find your partners."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX68Tdr9co
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH9zFxmcpz
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdrPMU9ci3
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyffSEgvzzC
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG68AZdfx6
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAMS2oc9Su
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReMd2EOQ2E
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nklnXK277
"Go."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJLVNYy7Cz
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3nlRzF5QO
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL8aRSsB5g
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodXRcKFETF
Cel remained where he was.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vt0KE2RLh
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxogxKKVmwY
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8nm8EIGfF
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl6QqSEpvb
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD2vbqvwQV
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0WVQX3wOQ
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zQJCmLqju
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7YC1U1msX
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKAEPduxdC
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GtQV2rplw
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Bt4f1pTp
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lYCuk1MaN
'I should ask her.'47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM0ssEkt0W
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixfPQxd9mu
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQT1F41bes
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb8YBE0VMw
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LYK0xqAHN
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpxIktRXtt
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbOAJMHUyQ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtl4Y4qhj
The music swelled. The first dance began.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE25JddmKxV
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJVtcsABi5
Cel stayed where he was.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXa5raSS0S
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b469cUzvU
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMMLfdyi6
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqKvRbmRaQ
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'This is ridiculous.'47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz1WVWqFc5
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGAvxs0Llo
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRJJE5IYb3
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuf1YRUyub
A third dance began.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XKEO4LwTX
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His feet finally moved.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTowtgCjWp1
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2un2YJVrE
Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe4AUYYpbK
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfDLgDcb9I
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimnGbu2Zdk
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNn1No9w39
He stopped at appropriate distance.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouV11OZtXv
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntK0DXHcrM
"Lady Hestia."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBgOs2foxF
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k57crtLI9
"Celvian."47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9WkWpahRI
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY17ebqCK4
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3so5bfOQk
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD5awXl4qZ
"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?"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwgHVE4q94
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQkpf83iCV
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdnjOG3Iwd
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHKhOUpzxs
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDJLEdEpt2
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeWNkHYzv7
Then her lips curved slightly.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg8DydWOzS
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UiH4UI5oQ
She extended one gloved hand.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5qcLNNJ8H
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaciBLnkYR
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7Rn5ACONS
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjkK0j4DC0
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FOAYSOf7A
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m3sPFetNx
The music shifted. Began properly.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtku6TlDNQ
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoZbshbjAD
They moved.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7TriCCAKq
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpxX6G7I8l
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc3oiCyan5
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBhGUhO3pO
But theory and practice were different things entirely.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmzw88Zq3O
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4jWx9EOYf
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4RhtA7TAp
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHODcfaPJr
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqvyAEi0v5
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERPJbgMptz
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B6baWce3X
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdaoMb9oGc
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuM4kyHqtM
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQNQOSdPet
And in the center of it all, impossibly close—47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7hNzrlKkD
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPgnLNE5iH
Hestia.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvZWdsdssY
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua1LwZ5mGG
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNHEFh8GWt
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Beautiful.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2J9IO8RyE
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIa10P0vrE
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yuHIweygw
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhB5jjKnq5
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtrP3MSDO3
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbut8RQ96vA
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg3gBEOhSp
Heat crawled up his neck.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6XgeG6FtI
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAHKxS9oip
He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqknkr3zNY
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cABVleZsr
'Think of Selina.'47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVUFPgNBMy
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL4QsF9BFj
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—47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0q8NDmOXs
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf3NRp2zci
The heat intensified.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPwnrb3ltP
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'That's worse!'47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5BpwLJWot
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8uA4ViCQ5
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLkngoYxSh
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgNnYbM7zo
Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRJO8LzY8Z
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A smile.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQwS5I05bx
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMpXtGUwHm
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqxtQyV8Ag
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T7N5ZWhqb
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFdhFkOVem
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCDVgjfqtg
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWJlNpZN5g
"I—"47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYvcNfXmE
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumqBiuvatl
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eYsWR72zX
The music stuttered. Stopped.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2MNBSzMbM
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3KhRlfcZJ
Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu7oMqNhqG
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZfIGyFuNp
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufcKzot01j
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vN3ZOK8ZO
There.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfXVHYpqE2
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06SRNspvzR
Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HDDIZOSsu
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDj9Mxxc2Q
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52ieSbI3ia
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNggflgy9gJ
The crowd parted as they approached.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLpSuvUv0l
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjqhKghtjy
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.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmngHa7Y5d
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5csKWxqdV7
And standing above him—47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUUT4fssjX
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Kyros.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGEOb8NCPF
47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39dAUy7tA8
His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection43ＰＥＮＡＮＡm86PiORUxv 尼

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