"Would you mind giving me your seat?"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8nY6DRTPg
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DG3vFC5MR
The girl Hestia had addressed went pale. Her hands scrambled to gather her belongings - quill, parchment, the small bag she'd brought - all of it swept up in graceless haste.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWLJc1vAGL
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEAIuWzFMs
"Of course, my lady. My apologies—I didn't mean—"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG59z2wLcTG
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDf2qa708e
She fled up the stairs toward the higher rows, nearly tripping in her haste. The boy who'd been sitting beside her followed without being asked, abandoning the bench entirely.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLHlYWGEWa
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR71bBTHqW
Hestia settled into the vacated seat without acknowledgment. As if it belonged to her from the beginning.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs9hlsncEW
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oA1xqKlzY
Cel glanced back over his shoulder.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w08OmsU8f
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM75KXxAus
She sat with perfect posture, hands folded in her lap, crimson eyes fixed straight ahead at nothing in particular.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVQ0Qo63TG
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He turned back around.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tc4kAhMQS
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9tULcOVIV
Instructor Saren had gone rigid at the podium, her jaw tight. For a moment, she seemed to struggle with whether to address what had just happened.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJNDrBhxTL
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnbkAtwpSP
Then she cleared her throat and consulted her scroll again.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0afIIdziw
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTam2iPkC3
"Lady Cordelia Tidecall of House Tidecall, Ocean Clan. Chosen of the Ocean Goddess and Heir to House Tidecall."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BLSDKbBz2
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaVHHogYw4
The name settled in Cel's chest with familiar weight.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE3yDXHPxR
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAviOsMbn0S
Tidecall. His mother's birth house. The leading family of the Ocean Clan.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qJHJTl1Ng
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His cousin.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYQNOJ0rDk
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The door opened.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5pT0fCsqA
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A girl entered with the kind of grace that came from a lifetime of formal training. Light blue hair fell in waves past her shoulders, and her gray-blue eyes swept the room with calm assessment. The Ocean Goddess's mark adorned her uniform: three rising blades flanked by wave-like curves.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrbAbrEQEN
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2gJaucepx
She moved to the podium, offered a brief bow that managed to be both respectful and composed, then descended to claim her seat in the front row.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqKCQoQhl2
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp21MO3rcN
Cel watched her settle into position, his expression carefully neutral.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO95tGu4e8
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yIpMCrUyR
Even though they were related, he'd never met Cordelia. His father had kept him isolated from most gatherings. Why parade a disappointment when you had a prodigy like Darian to show off?18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMUeJImVMV
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGurw07Skn
Still. She was family. Someone who might connect dots if he revealed too much.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zCLHO0hCY
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1RcABdW8b
‘I'll need to avoid her.’18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5zL48AIr5
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1TQ0u5Hdk
"Lord Percival Tempest of House Tempest, Storm Clan. Chosen of the Storm Goddess and Heir to House Tempest."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVMmmJLhNj
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSecCIlIca9
Another heir. House Tempest had claimed leadership after two rival houses destroyed each other in a brutal conflict for control. 18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoKhv0xCFC
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvniPUBW4QY
The boy who entered carried himself with the particular wariness of someone who'd learned early that power was never secure. Silver-white hair. Emerald eyes that scanned the room like he was calculating threats.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDejar7Rzo
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv5QDNE5c8
Percival descended to his seat without ceremony.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbUANupkB1
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiEvqG9l28
The introductions continued. More nobles. More uniforms that cost more than most commoners earned in a year. Some carried themselves with arrogance. Others with carefully neutral politeness. All of them claimed the front three rows without question.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAGHXaecN1
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54ZsIiEJtg
"Kyros Solgrand of House Solgrand, Sun Clan. Chosen of the Sun God."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hPzr7l9NJ
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArydAvPLfx
Cel's hands curled into fists beneath the desk, knuckles going white.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFJyyNrhQJ
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Solgrand. The house carried weight within the Sun Clan, and Kyros had never hesitated to throw it around.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nyEDz1Eks
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The memory surfaced sharp and clear - being shoved into the ground while Kyros laughed. "Careful, Celvian. Wouldn't want you to embarrass House Solmar more than you already do."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQBHiX6jLR
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rVZ6bxLBz
Every petty cruelty had been delivered with that same casual amusement. As if tormenting the untalented son of a Noble House was just another form of entertainment.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoepWSvias
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Cel's jaw clenched so hard his teeth ached.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kvo0XWazE
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The boy who entered looked exactly as Cel remembered. Fire-red hair. Amber eyes that held casual cruelty. The Sun God's mark blazed across his uniform - a radiant sun with pointed rays.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJLfN2nsHj
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3743ht8EyX
Everything in Cel screamed to move. To stand. To cross the room and drive his fist through that smug face until the bones shattered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2sj0ZaX6z
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But he stayed frozen in his seat, breath coming careful and controlled.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwbImT4kcD
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5qN8lPCQg
Kyros's gaze swept the tiered rows as he walked to the podium. For just a moment, it passed over Cel without recognition.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eVewR7sdK
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvggOpjsZH3
The urge to violence drained away, replaced by something colder. Sharper.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpVq2gKcrk
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‘You don't know me anymore.’18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGg7ByYX9L
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The thought carried savage satisfaction.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1NH5zt6Y9
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‘You never will. Not until it's too late.’18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbjoZeGtD5
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Then Kyros claimed his seat, and Instructor Saren closed her scroll.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJCk8WMvZ0
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp8FpmMb44
"All of you now represent this Academy together. I expect cooperation. Respect. And adherence to the standards we've established."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAVX0qbZea
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Her tone suggested she expected none of those things.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ962E7UMO3E
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6gKz2dUdn
"Today's lesson focuses on proper introduction etiquette. You've all studied this - commoners in your evening classes, nobles through your private tutors. Now you'll practice."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDA1olA2Ep
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkTyWflC0w
She gestured broadly at the assembled students.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Xp91TTl6
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2pHSfOsQF
"Form pairs. One will play the role of a noble, the other a commoner."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86myjLeLhL
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZDck8D0wA
Movement erupted immediately - students rising, searching for partners. The nobles remained seated, waiting to be approached.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRalXViq3I
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYevD90rXoL
Lior turned to Cel. "Should we—"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFab72WbCsL
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A shadow fell across their desk.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrjQYohXNU
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwrc9ikMEC
Hestia stood in the aisle beside them, crimson eyes fixed on Cel.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb06bS9MrN
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkrpuJBlmb
"Shall we pair together?"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOmZCXd2QT
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4BLcxNBD9
The request landed with the weight of a command dressed in courtesy. Every nearby student went still, conversations dying mid-word.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtnNNoWJp7
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax8I9VzaCL
Cel's mind raced.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd8n8TWjvg
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDNhTPJK56
A commoner had no right to refuse a noble's request. Not with so many eyes watching. Doing so would be an insult - grounds for punishment, possibly expulsion.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDHC3bD1Bg
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And she knew that.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk4Ie7rJ4I
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"It would be a pleasure, lady Hestia."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2VWXFkHGO
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVoZpoZSVg
The words tasted like ash, but he stood and gestured for her to lead.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QpD0NUP7Q
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Lior watched them go with wide eyes, uncertain what to do.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbtyHVMYYC
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEJBFpzqeq
Hestia moved to an empty corner of the classroom, away from the clusters of practicing students. Cel followed, acutely aware of the attention tracking them.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lmieH4n1n
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uU8ldImEp
When they stopped, she turned to face him fully.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPIegbcGBH
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWzFznGx7Z
"I'll play the commoner first," she said. "You'll be the noble."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPp2bIcm0A
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEGlIVRkfy
Cel blinked. That was... backwards. Nobles practiced being nobles, commoners practiced deference. Reversing it served no obvious purpose.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN5cW3hlHy
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But he nodded. "Understood."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnkA6MVGnt
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They positioned themselves - standing at the proper distance, postures straight.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJX5gIvYVC
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gOdX7MleL
Hestia's expression shifted subtly. The perfect composure cracked just enough to show uncertainty. Nervousness. Her shoulders drew inward slightly, her gaze lowered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUKvlgFRA0
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8a9F5lpdp
A perfect imitation of a commoner meeting nobility.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAM8Mx8LLz
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She bowed - deeper than necessary, holding the position a beat too long.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qQL28qyil
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqacX9274Q
"My lord," she said, her voice carrying just the right tremor of anxiety. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Hestia, a humble servant of the Death God."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbh2BIozH7
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The performance was flawless. Too flawless.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5msA1aO4h
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwqKftNXkw
Cel played along, falling back on old training.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52ior31mDE
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"Rise. Your devotion is noted."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5JWESOFPm
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOoUKCwlFm
She straightened, maintaining that false uncertainty with perfect discipline.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBP9xdOSeS
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They went through the full ritual - questions about lineage, polite acknowledgment, the careful dance of social hierarchy. 18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrDwfLsP1H
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzhVv9WfwV
"We'll reverse positions," she said when they finished.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JlYbt0lTI
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsci4gmpEP
Now Cel bowed - commoner to noble. The motions came automatically, drilled into him during the etiquette classes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0D5hO3YkO
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhd1jVWHpL
"My lady," he said. "It is an honor. I am Celvian, a humble servant of the Moon Goddess."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ8fEXf0lz
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD6Mko8lu6
Hestia's crimson eyes studied him throughout the introduction. Not his words or his posture - she watched his eyes. As if searching for something beneath the surface.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UUBxUi3Ws
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"You may rise."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlEiGNMXLc
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He straightened.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQzB2AHv34
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"Your goddess is... uncommon." Her tone carried no judgment. Just observation. "Do you find difficulty in that?"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L8LTsEiWa
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiovpBZm5SA
"The Moon Goddess chose me," Cel said carefully. "I serve her will."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeb3caOXdw
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTAjfT9Fu
"A diplomatic answer." Something that might have been approval flickered across her features. "Tell me, Celvian - are you devoted to her?"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc5Bo7T81f
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt75TouODKz
The question landed with unexpected weight.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ3omEFfpK
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZrjPfV8AF
"Yes, my lady," Cel said. "Completely."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyAliWJIm4
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKO0e5XPAR
It wasn't a lie. The Moon Goddess had given him everything when he had nothing. A second chance. Power. Purpose.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvNCmhM7fC
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ5wbzxh1l
"I see." Hestia's crimson eyes held his for a long moment, as if measuring the truth of his words.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5IqdJTrcI
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy78iUAc6kv
Silence stretched between them. 18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7akAU6gv3
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlEkrtTAuF
"You may return to your seat," Hestia said finally.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpGaVYlsOI
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM49IbrlFn
Cel bowed once more and turned away.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJV1R38gVb
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As he climbed back to where Lior waited, he felt those crimson eyes tracking his movement. Watching. Assessing.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0ZBGPUvLW
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn7bhnnG18
What did she want?18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUPY1AYEa7
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He didn't have an answer by the time afternoon training began. The sun beat down on the training grounds as students assembled in loose formation. Instructor Calder stood at the center, arms crossed, his scarred face unreadable.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4gSV7J0SI
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHDhxH5qkC
Cel had barely settled into position when the instructor's gaze found him.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZigAmiKZl
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"Celvian."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wXMKsEedG
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbIOFwqyQc
The name carried across the yard like a blade. Every head turned.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDQnET1n0N
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"You missed morning conditioning."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBVlEQF4h3
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"Yes, Instructor." No excuse. No explanation.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfLe4GI8Re
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbg1m5xM2W
Calder's jaw tightened. "We'll address that in a moment. But first—I have an announcement."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy7hLc2ruh
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He gestured broadly at the assembled students.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMqD6lv21b
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"Starting today, we're implementing a ranking system for combat training. Any student may challenge another to a sparring match. Winners climb the ladder. Losers fall."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULbUtz9n7k
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYo7ZVZNJP
Murmurs rippled through the group. Noble students straightened, interest sparking in their eyes.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQQWOoxQ9k
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfn84aWoga
"Your final rank affects recruitment opportunities after graduation," Calder continued. "The Chosen Legion scouts these rankings. So do the Mercenary Guild and even the Great Clans. A high rank opens doors. A low rank..." He let the implication hang.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxAIAuSkNM
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Cel's thoughts churned.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZOLy5F6kA
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After graduation. Where would he go?18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiDL2nFE67
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The Chosen Legion was the obvious choice. His mother served there now - which made it perfect. She'd be within reach when the time came.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV9oRuonN5
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Or the Sun Clan. Return to the place that had cast him out. Find Darian. Find his father. Make them pay.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURgy5denxg
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The thought burned cold and sharp.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjRDeSMAxE
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But walking back into Sun Clan territory carried risks. His white hair and resurrected body had transformed him beyond recognition. Still, someone might eventually form the connection.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjZcXud0rv
18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqkIt280LP
Unless he went elsewhere first. Built strength in another clan. Disappear into obscurity while he grew strong enough to return and destroy them all properly.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeazKwHjrC
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"Celvian."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZVg6TFRDV
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Calder's voice snapped him back to attention.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJFLL7p1XR
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Heat crawled up his neck as every eye fixed on him. He'd been caught not paying attention. Again.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9CMy9JWBz
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"Since you missed this morning's session and seem determined to waste my time this afternoon as well," Calder's tone could have frozen water, "you'll demonstrate our new system. First match. Right now."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSAPeDxmH1
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The words landed like stones. Around him, students shifted - commoners looking nervous, nobles carefully neutral.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnXglgGgUQ
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Cel's jaw tightened, but he stepped forward.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWlHwwU1rW
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"Who wants to face him?"18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG2q9mNZZP
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Silence answered.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2WLMg9kur
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The commoner students avoided eye contact, clearly unwilling to risk injury against someone who'd demonstrated unusual strength during training. The nobles simply looked bored, as if fighting a commoner wasn't worth their time.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiTjVjRF9x
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Seconds stretched.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACHSoRFFHp
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Then movement from the noble group.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog04GFMRoH
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A hand rose.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMviy2dRiWe
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Owen Peakscale stepped forward, that same grin splitting his face.18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2QVBcN7ej
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"I'll fight him."18Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT95vhmR6yF
1234 copyright protection14ＰＥＮＡＮＡbohlfcbQA9 尼

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