The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWUSr2xqxR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7jttNppHt
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsx5BYRgvZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RmzX1yXH8
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPx9Igv2Uc
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He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzRbUxu6Bi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujVKCHZg97
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4amFlPLKk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9G5i5XhDK
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf8Y0kKiC0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkDwYl5pEU
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN6pihmL2b
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0QBAkP1MQ
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0a5xswgJS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprlYjIF1CI
"The Academy covers it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPCZbeUmNi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsDHCRzJsj
"But what if they don't? What if—"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46rkQcZcXP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPGWuZLYX7
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wfP3P2Boq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsofv5gJrdo
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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOG4D2PLh6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MyaOms9Vf
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYsoG8TvHY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYRvEJnw01
The doors stood closed. Waiting.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIaeQZMHMR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdyuyvqXXL
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH0nwTUKub
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrnkiZ3hzz
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvRmTjyq0F
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ru1eK0fiS
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAREQAnGWZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2MrbwYnwS
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrdUgek1xg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrOAX2y5D6
She consulted a scroll.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wb9OWLI0F
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Nn90yZ7wF
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ7mMvWMKM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsyrUi4x3w
Several students shifted uncomfortably.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2jEX0ZBxV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0BpQh0Pk1
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPiJYmbBbD
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3LLzdKBlV
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgCyMP0kuu
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX92p8uJNX
Saren called the first name.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKxKYIxkhK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3jYoO68bH
The line moved steadily.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGEMPolVVH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPmkqtBpAf
"Lior."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKt1czdEYl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bJdDQJoMx
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMNiRDhWS0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqh3LKZWuC
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvSVmacO44
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5K1DD5j8h
"Celvian."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwqMbqjIEN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j5sgL0p7X
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMkyXAqOKG
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0puIizEYMM
The ballroom opened before him.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7DlODADD7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrsSGJGqv9
It was... excessive.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k5Y21nIqE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6qdUh5Aas
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGllAy76WAj
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDMfIk1P5K
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVivCCjnEm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC0gJYv7FC
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZEvJdk4JC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7msFwjNGDx
Esrin.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B2QiLM159
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjBX87SSAk
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. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzbwcad3I0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeij77m9Nz
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJtIjpsEdp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLH14Pdm63
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapGmOxTzec
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXFwzmqJIv
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj4dZXpwGv
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd206o4UxA
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEt0pQWtHD
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxbeuGeEiH
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDX76iRV5U
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXxHoeFhAj
"Rise."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlQ2Z3zYtc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PZoVmCTwQ
He straightened.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQRfkHNtAC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhctMME2rn
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKWVn1tqiM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ45reFNSI
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd35cqVLY16
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecajP6BMB8
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ScOAVeNP7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ1Ei3YCnD
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSL2x9Q9dt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8jvgfniAG
Then the doors opened wider.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQcGJH3GEe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FVVylBfHP
The nobles arrived.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2PcIsWOEA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0uN0MKThw
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuNNO1CklA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcYuavHjSc
They wore wealth.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtJVmXgtlJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CVxydmCpr
And at their center stood Theron.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl02gT9jZ0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYYv3DpJvc
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJjycFfxd7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubglJNfDb3
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHA0IHMlXS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7741MmwqHn
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfkLqj0rnV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHg7l5uJ1d
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD9JErjjMX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrzssuP1Bj
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ174pgU4BNB
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJETBkmxlIm
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv2elDmOLe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki01J075SS
And Hestia—195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMbFK2o4V1
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eDb7Q8gtw
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3vOz7Jdi9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeHZ7zXgc7
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL7wVMMseE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2yfc8rTp1
She looked like death given elegant form.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI3lMqwyKg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h6djfgRPk
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDSjerqX8i
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnZgvlPRLd
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TsNY1EpDJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2EmHQ0952
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZVxxdrxRn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj25VaaQtg
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzktUpq6pd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpv7wECNJ3
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETHJcAppwR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA9EwZJNI0
She gestured broadly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJVL8cYJZJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW80LRTb2bT
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqG9ztbwKa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPav4x9jTix
Her ruby eyes swept the room.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjx5v6emyx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQA9ehp24h
"Begin."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd7rx9A5s0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnDQYm84w7
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnSTGYPDgY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRLr0IDBwX
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfyvlkMAZD
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEbNrZFn7t
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtoYM8Bp8e
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KJ4DJRyDE
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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOCbiiYdQe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fBLVZczVq
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAVMndXOTN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGufRTMqkN0
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ64juOGXt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QYMyJlgGA
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WpxxtAPjh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hf4OtFDOG
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. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PQumrBzWo
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLyxjT1r31
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsch9djgjI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESlw8PDT0B
"I'm... not very hungry."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuLMUcwXLK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKdu7VzT9B
The excuse came out stilted.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi57aV1b0GV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs0XIJlbG8
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgfyjhuCKK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3UzOqcUnT
"I'm fine." 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0rZ58CWeu
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0bOEd8emy
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINkoehNWq5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd6mlwUo7r
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTVE6mDddg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr0kKKR1gM
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfKEtODCcU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGKh2zDzQc
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZJcitgCDV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6wfXuXIWp
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYriDC3qdPx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZN9F7LzEi
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby69uFRBev
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplD09hSfNW
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8BgTZy1f9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtme29PSbBb
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrZcysGiIM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKzNkpGOLc
"First dance. Find your partners."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGOblhDtbn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpNXUbu1GO
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDA2ZtEdar
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzojxKkzu1f
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm5bj4gq4k
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xjKpRWYeu
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvWjqLcUl5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0HbGAn4tj
"Go."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcwBz76SN6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3zX6DZOfv
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tMFrn0uss
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWbNfIfAtK
Cel remained where he was.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav7Uc2RXln
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP9fCNmx8D
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39eWXVmOuI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UB93wDkSk
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CXbehTCJs
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5tGnA7mGY
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHchtcZTm6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0Geo793s5
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfrbrFzSiw
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX42UvNE2z
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQQ7Pm4LuF
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z5aPrCAQ5
'I should ask her.'195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J3QZUQZtr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww1x5UETxB
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkff9cZwfy
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHSSjhK201
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUrwiecAa4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UzhJiTLpG
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUGidIFfb1
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yuyA6geZm
The music swelled. The first dance began.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc6QpvFXt1
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxv6bQhw57
Cel stayed where he was.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebIMp9E7rb
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsAkWq2zPm
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNLs07E9aU
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'This is ridiculous.'195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoa6dERMMi
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Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce1izXRctM
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A third dance began.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH868usGcG
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His feet finally moved.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInjhZNTwTp
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgcpIMxLCZ
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She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JQgLYvXfR
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He stopped at appropriate distance.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq006vlEfy
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"Lady Hestia."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5nZbqs3Vb
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"Celvian."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrNdF6PwYF
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhQUVVEaw8
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"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYmOmetgSm
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Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjsCblDTkP
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For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmDaquRBz5
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Then her lips curved slightly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1L9LaT65R
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She extended one gloved hand.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C4wdWcRf5
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Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1FUOkr6A2
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xfGs4NVrQ
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The music shifted. Began properly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8ek3GY80O
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They moved.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R0BhFOrpw
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Cel had learned the steps during those evening lessons, and even before. One-two-three, one-two-three. The basic waltz that every student practiced until it became reflex.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gVEqoZrWr
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxjWrNHC0A
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Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWuxTaTiPg
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Cel just tried not to step on her feet.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7IxZ0os1x
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They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIogTEDirBd
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Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg40eVICnoz
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrAdkZToOn
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Hestia.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEVvZwTkga
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb5lrqd4Ga
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Beautiful.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsEwLkhukL
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpGloWk7iD
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Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrUF9IkfRv
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Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly4iPSdniO
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Heat crawled up his neck.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKa1yeS8wu
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8q7ZXKBWj
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'Think of Selina.'195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6laeLTbT2
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The command rang through his mind like a lifeline. Yes. Selina. Silver hair and masked serenity. The gentle patience in her voice. The way she'd held him when he'd broken down—195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsk6tsRwbK
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The heat intensified.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FSgrg6quC
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'That's worse!'195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFdXBBY6bf
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRBTXSwf9J
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww87wEITUi
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A smile.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo2xdiG6UM
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzRlumDJ5r
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl8wmexcEu
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Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vpR8UsSQ8
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"I—"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZxioNmecM
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIi7yQU5yx
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The music stuttered. Stopped.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsT9OwAKZC
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7uEPVy8vy
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Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1G67tLG68
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There.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWABrETT3t
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4K1oIJUVL
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Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRcBzrMOEu
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The crowd parted as they approached.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndL8yE0wbt
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Lior knelt on the floor, hands pressed against polished wood. His shoulders shook. Broken glass scattered around him - crystalline fragments catching light, liquid spreading in a dark stain.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc7quvjVFI
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And standing above him—195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PwMJiRBgt
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Kyros.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14DXTpwbg8
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvV3XxjtdE 尼

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