The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GlhOaJOIm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgT8VutTns
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU1oJsungG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCPoVTyZRj
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzkeqWM5KE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmWYCcRg9r
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU0vtXjjrI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdxaUmHamB
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP1mHbfM2Y
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPbD3kOTUE
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLS6qO8oP9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzq89Oc1HG
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHtKiLkHQj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqitCuPu7GX
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60obWVsljs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBCYWwadbs
"The Academy covers it."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTND9mn9EC
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fcc5UWpWh
"But what if they don't? What if—"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QAt0POlYm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82dhEUwQ87
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRGhJjcbDG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCLWHrZ4ca
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."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0H1gtPI0X
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniwor5Fdoa
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlut6UZ35s
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z6w5NU2O4
The doors stood closed. Waiting.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq61WUOKf4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p8oFUHUuj
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV1ZMXekwe
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94T2fIRdwS
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklWaDszT8O
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdxqAKQkgB
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbUXWihJZE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JPEsDk5H8
"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."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ie0mgaXRk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwWP1evfJI
She consulted a scroll.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkI6260MhQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsit8RQagkr
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNBGUfYpiL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fO6zo9X3g
Several students shifted uncomfortably.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviuadeTwt1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykvgldcaHU
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGDdJuFtYs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiCpw0dC3O
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2SGCmEhjS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhESBAKg1g
Saren called the first name.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgOztN8NiJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLZ8IOKTZK
The line moved steadily.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63PuKcrs4G
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vx9J6mbgy
"Lior."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEatzY1lNJr
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRSKiVtR1X
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7mcXpZDiF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV7VlcIMno
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5MulU04hs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqD04LrVDv
"Celvian."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM2xlR7Naj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmwV1LMXtt
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjA39l5LSx
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqjNuLbiQO
The ballroom opened before him.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVzErrhLhm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuAs7dHPtL
It was... excessive.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCyF5wTtos
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicyq1vTPhZ
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeERA61vcV1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveMV4YSiYK
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyUNE2NYiS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3aRXYrNxX
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGSwYQYKhN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wq7MrjPPj
Esrin.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbdsRGHk5L
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIurPQeSJMJ
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. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgKQ2RsJDE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefafnvmXib
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dDgscdk3J
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm3xB0rjqx
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyvMIhy2iE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkItjhk5yO
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJvy3bphjf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTYfUL2gqY
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQQFGw8LM9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hdvu9WoAi
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0RlPAKZCk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym8AKV7VoR
"Rise."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRms9wPSnG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iFQxLqJ67
He straightened.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkceyN4kywW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0ezbqkXKL
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzqDrURfU0
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmv1jrqckU
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qTCEgkDSA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAwdvZkIEz
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh4O78xLk3
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pOOh0k3By
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7bL4XNl22
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgs39qYEPe
Then the doors opened wider.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVciSAxrsJu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjV9f3rK4Z
The nobles arrived.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7p4dEjItX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDewZNpDAyO
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ49KrBQaZV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWq9lwJ9lr
They wore wealth.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH4p3cDTWr
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxed2YSpHbZ
And at their center stood Theron.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAraMhRc8y6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6CyfnWDrO
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB7G7w2y8Z
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg948ybb1GT
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKSXY5ZNSJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7MGHBaoC7
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsqIzF09MG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GJDuPM5r8
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCuiPr9o7T
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik5nGBjm9x
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBSjy5czNd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSKzRCyQ6d
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv43K1jtxXm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer6tctmfm3
And Hestia—108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc8V8MFAgK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELrUGSymir
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kLdIuHoHf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphL0O7qgGU
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeeKQDUlzo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf2fYZrXIk
She looked like death given elegant form.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW5TedAcOQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzSBq0gLW4
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2cg9iSsbm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzciQeJdcWu
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlODWUWty2
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt69mT9gN3E
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmhsnpdeFz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3w0KbiUsZ
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P089fDcj1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeNzhANa2e
"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."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtWLw9E7H
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5zP31fzg3
She gestured broadly.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FpW8GQvRN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTW9JOfbwH
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bdIm1AYVI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxrdhygVGQ
Her ruby eyes swept the room.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2o332lcDK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GU8FvM5Dh
"Begin."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhKGjzSY6B
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk3oe4ChO4
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GJSJdVkA4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB4QaF6GmX
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkUydYppVj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJGjYDBapa
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu16tsUZgfq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbcI4T4Vpm
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?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYOCg6phAJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkw061JCGU
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgspgD6YqeU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVDeuLJ2R2
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccwVJKDiVN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuFAHuK5kw
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHq8tqnw76
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa8Wewlzx8
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. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c5Y86TMdP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXpAUtpRgz
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bOsRFwpVw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyHmZ29Tkr
"I'm... not very hungry."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFfBKW2R5c
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKRrHoun2W
The excuse came out stilted.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Nk8dE0kV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSTlrg58Gb
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDU6hvkkdo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0tA7XP4Gs
"I'm fine." 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb0BEyOajW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF2GSeejuc
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKp82eFo0Q
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasDYPdcS9e
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4yq603Fz7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkguo1rTEk
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ADDASfOs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE2OhmopeG
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WfgZzUJ4b
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfcxbi8khs
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbhA7RD7db
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJybev6YPgH
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aorwIXl91
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBnvdg2wcN
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UiwLAT8FT
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3wTpBN1U3
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemxSlUxRhC
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1rQFSklDz
"First dance. Find your partners."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp4aEWF6UV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAwWXQJmjx
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO6S0fWlAh
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V5jCvDI6J
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLQ1bjSdhT
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHlLiPTqt6
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDsr4ne57K
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZAKv4qKfu
"Go."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA2AnDrt2Y
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUB6ulKCvO
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILXjI6fApe
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX3n4ECfHd
Cel remained where he was.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCoO0CmIPP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUKD2xX018
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmMW8nV2px
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJWa3YfScS
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBQ7K9Hzhv
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhPVnACUd1
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQxxPVjFSD
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG83t6coJ7E
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwKYwJOZCt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdieMZsdSa
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JUAoAooC8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESAARplPX2
'I should ask her.'108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV08yZ8kq6q
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gitJNrcU9
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNSjNIMy28
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjTraT2dQz
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQXZaapZjn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr73Mcf61C
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCElvpVuM1W
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOiHZYcAUC
The music swelled. The first dance began.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJQsolE5RO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M7k3ozxD8
Cel stayed where he was.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2uScAcN6d
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvFK7Piga3
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMSDyvBd4s
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YGFsFVEED
Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhslzNQIiw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j7diZbgi9
'This is ridiculous.'108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQS9pBIWtO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4EjooPWsJ
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh7sizX9OO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX46eMhxnXk
A third dance began.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hpb5ZoU3r
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaCQ4Azqc5
His feet finally moved.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYGF76gInc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ua9bv6u4x
Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0phlix2PuL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GtSacvmJC
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrP6KTFnRS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYHm57uWsl
He stopped at appropriate distance.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnENpHeScbp
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzk3L0iFi4
"Lady Hestia."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtmt78jrtO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡengieDz7ga
"Celvian."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTZzs5k0TQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5I0cltrOf
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3JW1sYX47
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaWzlDe3e2
"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?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIJkEJy5yp
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCSZM22fYk
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXBN8dNtcY
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf6fuhcEgy
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflWWC5tN5E
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSWNLuhlV3
Then her lips curved slightly.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbPxLlzUL7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxVWUT2C96
She extended one gloved hand.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoDMoNf3Rn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphEDE4ZcbD
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ClrPg0xk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvxnDUKjhy
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrblnZiIZa5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U4oJeIA8N
The music shifted. Began properly.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbd01vGBIb
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U3h9WTqI8
They moved.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdaWqRxbDF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGIM0CFKcu
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFkkealOn6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvhmJG7wjC
But theory and practice were different things entirely.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYaF9UOEn4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zwSkZ11kV
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8ltAmg1md
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7etg0kUNpK
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtu7U68eMl
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSPupiLA0s
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEExO15t41
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXFEiTpmh4
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrmDmDQUoZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEG6jBWO7N
And in the center of it all, impossibly close—108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrytnkfC5WN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZqMABr73N
Hestia.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovj2YhSCTM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1h5Bsng5S
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTB5m4r8LE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aoSqvrBay
Beautiful.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoSAuxHImN
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlFcgCSPQj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfal269AKqQ
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIpv2YpimS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TuY9R5HZi
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn1SS65mYq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E59nWmGCf
Heat crawled up his neck.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNdTMcWMUf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrX2HXU66i
He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEgR3AIgvg
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav3f6j8ooO
'Think of Selina.'108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pfyo2k7Sg
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI3y0cZ2Mz
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—108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGUwUEO6Ti
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEMLdDP3bh
The heat intensified.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX7vydofwd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyH9Fpsvz6
'That's worse!'108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85pQgOAebK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO8IbBFeRx
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHZLLmvMYi
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxexF1mVVv
Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwdx2GtGxp
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC8gZlWbda
A smile.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4EwNfMXq9
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4m5ora5i5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehdm4cjQzk
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJTv6g2C1U
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtx4nQBgDf
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWMpL4FgPk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAezxxKcO8
"I—"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UwbGz1dDy
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jWequ9hhP
Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoDqUBZErL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO7Wpy8GwF
The music stuttered. Stopped.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfkWAP0maw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GqrdtS2Jw
Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aOtN5r7mW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47kVQNIX74
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3LlFqTIxF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYNFHMtAAA
There.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZwPiSP5wP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39sA6BUbPv
Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWBCqCc138
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH39MDJr9l
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDlYzVK1PD
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YZJP121mQ
The crowd parted as they approached.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquV2I7QFZL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLoVNOlmhD
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.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsINyKiqQg
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wDpxJ9NS7
And standing above him—108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa3abtHWM8
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Kyros.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRORnOSvC61
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmWCsAnz21
His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pCEsAMHbW 尼

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