The announcement fell across the classroom like a stone into still water.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yiT9VelyJ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4alVwk0Qx
Every noble straightened instantly. Even Theron, who usually maintained a relaxed posture, sat with rigid attention. The commoners shifted nervously, uncertain how to react to such a presence.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBF2MlZTHt
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgyzhI2TtD
Cel's hands tightened on his desk.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLn8EiiXly
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa9vPDvBq7
'Esrin.'110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMtiuXh44t
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1MFxHMsjs
The woman who'd nearly killed him. Who'd dragged him from the Ashlands to the Reckoning. Who wielded power that could reshape battlefields with casual thought.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EtQi12CyM
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B2Z5NZ5F7
The door opened.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGzKySwPKR
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnhZLJ6yCd
She entered with the same quiet authority Cel remembered. She wore the Chosen Legion's dress uniform, ash-white hair pulled back in a practical style. Ruby eyes swept the classroom once - comprehensive, assessing - before settling into neutral observation.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVkLjqh9No
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpJt5sZtjH
Every student seemed to hold their breath.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tYMO2FhOH
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8SLkY2ptO
Instructor Saren bowed - deeper than required. "Lady Esrin. The students are honored by your presence."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96uO9rlchR
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaXpGAUabD
Esrin's gaze tracked across the tiered rows. When it passed over Cel, there was no flicker of recognition. No acknowledgment. Just the same clinical assessment she gave every other student.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BITBsDesB
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mHzivcPvz
Good. He'd worried she might somehow reveal their connection.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61V0CJB6P2
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmC8YJDI9r
"I'll leave them in your care," Saren said, already moving toward the exit.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO3QAdLWDD
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrq7ApFTdK
The door closed with soft finality.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcO0fNDphs
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfgJJrODuh
Silence pressed heavy across the classroom. Forty students watching the Hallowed with varying degrees of awe and terror.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzrStTcbP4
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nrnhO30Bz
Esrin walked to the podium with unhurried steps. She didn't consult notes. Didn't adjust her uniform. Simply stood there, perfectly composed, and spoke.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvYWbsw9N0
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYnziqXnjV
"There are two purposes for my visit. First - to answer some of your questions. About being a Chosen. About the Chosen Legion. About what waits beyond these walls."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvhkhDdzTC
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09yzN0DEjC
Her tone carried no warmth. No encouragement. Just statement of fact.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bTerjCIB1
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYwhMxvSTt
"Second - this evening, the Academy is hosting a formal ball. To test your etiquette in a practical environment."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEhnbr8Pki
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBM8WeLLpQ
Murmurs erupted. A ball? The commoners looked nervous. The nobles appeared intrigued.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVnlNuF2aK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnonoIlS09O
"Ask your questions," Esrin said.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6ZMjAt2xH
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00mR5Zj8xI
Silence held for several heartbeats. Finally, a few hesitant hands rose among the back rows.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrYnkRc5hZ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0ofwyujgR
A commoner girl stood, voice trembling. "Lady Esrin, if it pleases you... what's the Chosen Legion like? How does it differ from serving a Great Clan?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6YF1gUVsj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYjfRx1GxR
"The Legion accepts all Chosen regardless of patron deity or birth." Her answer came without hesitation. "Advancement depends solely on capability. No bloodlines. No affiliations. Just competence."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtR6UbI07p
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmFQeQrafM
She met the girl's gaze directly.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v7ty0mxnt
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XNHrzFsdM
"If you're weak, you'll be assigned simple tasks. If you're strong, you'll face greater threats. The Legion doesn't waste talent, but it doesn't shelter incompetence either."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBnbAByPo2
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNzwZsEJIU
The girl sat down, clearly satisfied. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH6hXgw3RO
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr1TUPOG9L
Another hand rose immediately. A boy near the back stood nervously. "Lady Esrin, our final examination is near - a patrol mission. Do you have any advice for us?” 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvS3GBZWZ5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxhomASxJx
Esrin's expression didn't soften, but something shifted in her tone. Practicality, perhaps. Or the closest thing to concern she would show. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScVPmr8zkK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U8i836TW9
"Don't be heroes. The examination tests judgment as much as strength. Know when to fight and when to retreat. Overconfidence kills more Chosen than any creature." She paused. "And never split your group unless absolutely necessary. You're students, not veterans. Act accordingly." 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ134o1NcRHK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipUT3ffOQn
The boy nodded, sitting down with a sobered expression. Another voice called out from the middle rows. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzGWKl8y9c
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvjj2XcA3m
"Do you see the royals often? What about the princess?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciw9WK3D92
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gzkv2PBv7
Something that might have been amusement flickered across Esrin's features. "Occasionally. When duty requires it."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi5qgsveAe
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmhF6lzkf1
"What about the Emperor?" The voice carried genuine interest. "Or the Empress?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPmVWfCGf
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe9ZGtIQ9b
"Less frequently." Esrin's tone suggested the topic held no particular interest to her. "Next question."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp4K9pNUNj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIWR5SF91n
Another hand - a girl near the middle rows, barely able to meet her eyes.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzIENTZgIJ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHO3szYQef
"Lady Esrin... are you the strongest person in the Empire?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaQUA3UWcZ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ3SuuOvyt
The question hung in the air. Several nobles shifted, as if the directness bordered on improper.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYzBl3GcSq
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTQtej0bvh
Esrin's expression didn't change, but Cel noticed the slight pause. The way her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before she spoke.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM51W2tYkac
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO1vXagrIe
"Yes."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b6O1VbxFn
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3fejX05Tk
The answer came flat. Final.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ElnEJfUNk
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFAVrjR0ed
But Cel understood why she'd hesitated.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUTzwXs3QP
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm7h650cLF
'She may be the strongest in the Empire. But within the Reckoning, she's only second.'110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEENQ01Szb
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY5nrZPgz0
Veyron held the rank of the First Reckoning. The hooded figure whose presence commanded even Esrin's respect. Whose power Cel couldn't begin to estimate.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabYr8xcedB
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWXnd34xiJ
But she couldn't reveal that. Couldn't acknowledge the organization's existence.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNyr1OtGu
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nnuxKQ7Vt
So she simply claimed the title everyone expected her to hold.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEa3QEwNpg
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltLIbfw2AS
"How does someone become Hallowed?" The same commoner girl asked, voice still trembling slightly. "If... if that's permitted to ask, my lady."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PEluXvjVh
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDtZERZJbY
Interest rippled through the classroom.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwXk1re5gR
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdFvaJYx83
Esrin's expression shifted slightly - not quite approval, but acknowledgment that this was the right question to ask.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuHTIM3WZe
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleKcJnxNZ1
"There are four steps. First - being marked and chosen by a deity. You've all completed that."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8wYMwOLkS
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIan4pvJCK
She lifted two finger.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE73Z3khpuW
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vX7afM4eU
"Second - master your Divine Essence completely. Prove to your deity that choosing you was worthwhile. Show them you've mastered their gift."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHwCeljbFS
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmQrYNJ8Th
Cel's jaw tightened.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQGkVuT6l
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3mHIrzCqS
'What about me then?'110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVmA9rVLfI
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4B24eAeOl
The question screamed through his mind. He had no Divine Essence pool. Nothing to expand. Nothing to grow.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuog2xxkpG
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6B8IoPCqH
How was he supposed to evolve when the fundamental requirement didn't exist?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4gRXolofh
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNrKMdulRM
"In accordance," Esrin continued, "your deity will expand your Divine Essence pool beyond its birth limits. As you all know, the pool you're born with cannot naturally grow. This expansion is an gift. Recognition that you've earned more."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRMCqogUDX
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SHr7gi7Zz
She raised a third finger.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPi1WMEShM
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P5dQtD34d
"Third - achieve a World Creation.” 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKB1lqysfh
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgBJlgLCb3
Murmurs rippled through the students. Several looked confused. Others showed recognition.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuAMV4Thhd
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHqPJOY8E3
“This requires not just mastery but understanding. You must comprehend the fundamental nature of your Divine Essence. Its truth."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF1Qg4nyKB
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gtDqElS72
Her expression remained neutral, but her voice carried weight.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Qo5RKkyD
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SlYyI0wDz
"It is the most difficult step. Every Chosen's essence is fundamentally unique. There are no instruction manuals. No proven methods. No shortcuts."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArkqjWQo5m
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvARCkzTesB
She paused, letting that sink in. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaSiKNfCdR
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq7dI9Qb5G
"Most Chosen never achieve it.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xR1XJ0eY5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0VzZxRwN0
A fourth finger joined the others. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0MN1XzAAP
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPL02eFBTn
"Fourth - raise your affinity with one paragon to the maximum. To reach perfect resonance with your deity's nature. To become one with their will.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiAzpvltGz
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex927x4P1G
She lowered her hand.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVA4XawbUN
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKlcuxzzB0
"Only a handful in history have reached this level."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCjteasqBK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87mb0ctUVP
"Could you show us your abilities?" A reckless boy called out. "Like your World?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P7PT8b6Lo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOmiQmvaQT
Several students still looked confused. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz0GvW9HxL
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWJOMabL4V
Lior leaned toward Cel, whispering. "What's a World?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkA62FiIZN
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfhDFrJRd2
Before Cel could answer, Esrin spoke.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw55Yu3sRh
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeSrKU50aG
"A World is the manifestation of your Divine Essence's true nature. An expression of power so complete it creates its own reality." Her tone carried the weight of someone explaining a fundamental truth. "It's not something to show off."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqtlGRQlDK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLKraCWrOa
Her ruby eyes swept the classroom.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHbm2IS7U0
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYbSzHMHH4
"Besides - if I manifested my World here, the pressure alone would tear most of you apart."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9UwLQ4QBd
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3jhAndojH
The classroom went very still.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rBB68dcxy
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQVN1P1WAw
Several students paled. The excitement drained away, replaced by uncomfortable awareness of the gap between them and the woman standing at the podium.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA1napuJb7
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJbPGZk8Kf
Another hand rose.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwzs3KKnOI
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjTu1l9u6b
A commoner boy Cel didn't know well. His voice came uncertain. "Lady Esrin, why were you announced without a family name? If you're a noble."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXb4IXKqYi
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67IMG7HnF5
The question was innocent. Curious.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsarML398uG
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71L6x1PMvS
But every noble in the front rows went rigid. Glaring at the boy who'd asked such an impertinent question.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkgGPzJPmI
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwybtwRTilo
Cel watched their faces, noticing something else.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOscLyacr8x
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxmbGQqDAT
Only Percival Tempest reacted differently.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HJEqmbpJ5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapLUXhyJns
His emerald eyes narrowed not at the commoner who'd asked.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb0npE8N3v
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1fwCeOx34
At Esrin.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRf5FY90w7
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jtVJjwZts
His gaze locked onto her with an intensity that bordered on hostile.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVG3bbnCCj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgEMKOg23r
'Did something happen between them?'110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUPO1NjRfo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1seZXlfaf
Cel filed the observation away as Esrin answered. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUtiqr7oZi
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0K8MEmrjV
"I forsook it."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK3mtQQKH0
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jTseXA3aF
The answer was cold. Final. Brooking no further questions on the subject.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsk5TGgltW
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhbA7gFlGC
The commoner who'd asked paled, clearly realizing he'd touched something sensitive.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUOxRhsnDm
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXotmBLxPDw
But Esrin's attention had already moved on.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnwpgri1QL
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5dsUokUsc
"Any other questions?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nMa24evPV
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL3nRgwrS2
More hands. More inquiries about the Legion, about missions, about what life looked like beyond the Academy walls.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XjsQH8EYX
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdYqUla17a
Esrin answered each with the same clinical precision.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXsSk37zg5
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NrdXlapW1
Finally, she glanced toward the window. "That's sufficient. Prepare yourselves for this evening. The ball begins at sunset."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy0FWSKsqb
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ9MbWla43
She walked toward the exit without ceremony.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BqhmDwUzU
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3YfvzH5vr
Her boots clicked against stone - steady, unhurried. Every student tracked her movement, watching the Hallowed leave with the same presence she'd arrived with.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmEeakssGo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsWH6vvcJ1
The door closed.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepXEsUKbll
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFdZzP84Ke
Breath rushed back into the room like a tide returning.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs6bwRdWQQ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVu3mz2whg
"Did you see her eyes?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfKk57VkTG
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwSSRa7t1K
"The way she moved—"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpS867Gksk
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbVjOay7Ps
"A Hallowed! An actual Hallowed!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1DwN5r6UN
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWnjbIU9zr
Even the nobles couldn't fully contain their awe. They'd seen powerful Chosen regularly. But a Hallowed was something else entirely.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1N7VWM4Ud
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YEp9Kdq8a
Cel sat quietly, processing.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2RoZBz7te
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlTQykdqbZ
His mind churned through everything Esrin had said. The four steps. The requirements. The impossibilities stacked against him.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9MkkU2AUN
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgAqaTGtxX
'How the hell am I supposed to become stronger?'110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqmP0x1dgW
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASGQLMSrhO
The question burned without answer.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPsO2DXU3r
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsz8YXR0bM
Instructor Saren returned, calling for attention and dismissing them to prepare for the evening. Students rose in clusters, still buzzing with energy. 110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHStqo1ApK0
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUcBGTGIPr
But Cel barely heard her, staring at the empty podium where the Empire's greatest defender had stood.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT64RkBJBah
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBq7CNgceJ
And wondering if he'd ever reach even a fraction of that strength.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4CXHLVg2O
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o3HGg7i2k
His thoughts were interrupted by Lior's elbow nudging his ribs.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoZ0A9HIVW
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhsKGb2lsS
"Can you believe we'll actually get to see a real ball?" Lior's voice carried nervous excitement.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKdLLwIooz
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWzD06SCJA
Cel glanced at him. "You know you have to dance, right?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OAynuqspD
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwnpxOPb8
Lior's excitement evaporated instantly. "Oh no. I forgot about that. I'm—I'm going to make a fool of myself."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0qGjX7hFj
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92tAenDRnW
"All of us are," Cel said.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhr2t8hgTH
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjlnSZQJFM
The truth settled between them. The commoners had learned basic steps in a few months. The nobles had been training since childhood.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza3yz1zaRK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceIICfirSZ
Tonight would make that gap painfully visible.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7gQYF2w3A
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMV8fJRcW
But as the students filed toward their dormitories to prepare, Cel found himself thinking about something else entirely.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUDPzHnAtr
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYPbtDDCUw
Esrin would be there. Teaching. Demonstrating proper form and grace.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ294jt7cbBk
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiiJXrZYib
And despite everything - despite nearly killing him, despite the cold brutality she'd shown - he couldn't deny one simple truth.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGkeArI9S1
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMliyDwmo5
She was the most elegant woman in the Empire.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfijFlB6RvX
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7YzZeRPY4
The ideal every noble daughter aspired to become.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbt8Hj89Fr
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJUh7wbdqV
Tonight, he'd see that grace in its proper context.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EjoD2pEJ0
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaavpP8Skk
He was… curious to see.1234 copyright protection106ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTtKyO2NfR 尼

216.73.217.123