The announcement fell across the classroom like a stone into still water.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tXhQfYyOO
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApTLVgtLcz
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNicp1YTaT
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZnhNfzzLR
Cel's hands tightened on his desk.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcRjA9h08O
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxJSII8Hmj
'Esrin.'63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEOS5XtOCl
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhrW9rstUN
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzS7hXhuM
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18xryUNxGh
The door opened.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfOcNKbtSP
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsguoxLhld9
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ7TOCSIz7
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9FNuhtcGK
Every student seemed to hold their breath.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL7BwrMdGF
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYGtAmzHek
Instructor Saren bowed - deeper than required. "Lady Esrin. The students are honored by your presence."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7xkiV7Jxf
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC8dUJJKr8
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFZWTjXShs
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobkoV5mYDx
Good. He'd worried she might somehow reveal their connection.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuCDY390HT
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIu1gybXsz
"I'll leave them in your care," Saren said, already moving toward the exit.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNNs5sxKtc
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQYHx0e0Nb
The door closed with soft finality.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyZLCydCpZ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuyeJCeviC
Silence pressed heavy across the classroom. Forty students watching the Hallowed with varying degrees of awe and terror.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RMvVUh3hb
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY55WiFT7Ln
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z8qehnshE
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4T3RDtiv2
"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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E16hQlu26
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1RM0cCSHs
Her tone carried no warmth. No encouragement. Just statement of fact.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse9Xa0Ewfx
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6P36OKAIi
"Second - this evening, the Academy is hosting a formal ball. To test your etiquette in a practical environment."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffkGvbx7Ly
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVrQphUeis
Murmurs erupted. A ball? The commoners looked nervous. The nobles appeared intrigued.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf6Ff5nFqQ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCEMTQ9iIw
"Ask your questions," Esrin said.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG04AKTQ592
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rceryJD5o
Silence held for several heartbeats. Finally, a few hesitant hands rose among the back rows.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVEo1ogwPp
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBIDogNcdv
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?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFY69wwiBp
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01H2Cq2ewI
"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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGQhATXvpx
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNwsTtHFWR
She met the girl's gaze directly.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPiVMYL6Bd
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJynTCpPKGe
"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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR1yuo9VWl
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nDKkeyPOM
The girl sat down, clearly satisfied. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqKVzFQguv
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmGkXwFeUI
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?” 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aR7dlsE09
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LI2adfT2V
Esrin's expression didn't soften, but something shifted in her tone. Practicality, perhaps. Or the closest thing to concern she would show. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmFEGEG0RJ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJdfWDF4I7
"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." 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprfiHKFN98
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pWcqN0geR
The boy nodded, sitting down with a sobered expression. Another voice called out from the middle rows. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7UVm0rHt3
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQK857nM0R
"Do you see the royals often? What about the princess?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfemDGgab1s
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxbvBSevUl
Something that might have been amusement flickered across Esrin's features. "Occasionally. When duty requires it."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxjVahqXND
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFIk3hpDvm
"What about the Emperor?" The voice carried genuine interest. "Or the Empress?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYaCuMiH4b
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sY3UOJs4b
"Less frequently." Esrin's tone suggested the topic held no particular interest to her. "Next question."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHqEuW8LQD
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfwQP4KXvd
Another hand - a girl near the middle rows, barely able to meet her eyes.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtEI3skyrt
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oZ8vRQeH3
"Lady Esrin... are you the strongest person in the Empire?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN6yZcnWnB
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwPuFLsLKs
The question hung in the air. Several nobles shifted, as if the directness bordered on improper.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jGGvCk4Mf
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzkvXBjewJ
Esrin's expression didn't change, but Cel noticed the slight pause. The way her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before she spoke.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUZHt4eqPd
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4KRhnRm3a
"Yes."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYajYHAMnNQ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Q4Vcm6rn
The answer came flat. Final.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXILMMIPaCH
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNlaYqoaIN
But Cel understood why she'd hesitated.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaOmjoqs0K
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dtBnX9CO8
'She may be the strongest in the Empire. But within the Reckoning, she's only second.'63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHZz6HAnP6
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQJsuMbFhc
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.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwgBEGHCiF
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATrf8rYG7l
But she couldn't reveal that. Couldn't acknowledge the organization's existence.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1qkd9zZhT
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeHSR0VKB6
So she simply claimed the title everyone expected her to hold.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SaX8kZhY0
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH03lHKyMT
"How does someone become Hallowed?" The same commoner girl asked, voice still trembling slightly. "If... if that's permitted to ask, my lady."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrOa3sIFGZ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ijURLCiog
Interest rippled through the classroom.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1y7xoMUED
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCytOIGgtX6
Esrin's expression shifted slightly - not quite approval, but acknowledgment that this was the right question to ask.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXB7PxYlr6
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXMMITbqqZ
"There are four steps. First - being marked and chosen by a deity. You've all completed that."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w4MHZcjSB
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4GnXVFmFO
She lifted two finger.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8C4QUE3xj
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanRr9hp20q
"Second - master your Divine Essence completely. Prove to your deity that choosing you was worthwhile. Show them you've mastered their gift."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodJzA4bmDx
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzislfsGJc
Cel's jaw tightened.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAwTuy7e2s
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjefKnAysl
'What about me then?'63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnInFHxXWO
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoebGihmJey
The question screamed through his mind. He had no Divine Essence pool. Nothing to expand. Nothing to grow.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb608ymTgW
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH07OJVs3vP
How was he supposed to evolve when the fundamental requirement didn't exist?63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h0cIwJUqu
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvejpdE9cXH
"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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuIC7BRgb4
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRs3ptlfuo
She raised a third finger.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOStuIb7rc
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffR86POfKZ
"Third - achieve a World Creation.” 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqPfN6OyIX
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeAlayhMFj
Murmurs rippled through the students. Several looked confused. Others showed recognition.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWiONMQ57N
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1trkfkr3Hv
“This requires not just mastery but understanding. You must comprehend the fundamental nature of your Divine Essence. Its truth."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefyM5bWL93
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWQ35ykG8G
Her expression remained neutral, but her voice carried weight.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGerOlug7L
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN6SrREU62
"It is the most difficult step. Every Chosen's essence is fundamentally unique. There are no instruction manuals. No proven methods. No shortcuts."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH98bY0f7H
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMpJtgG8xU
She paused, letting that sink in. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJIVv2VO6N
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaq9r8iJde
"Most Chosen never achieve it.”63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT07FDqfwSV
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMZORj492b
A fourth finger joined the others. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHtvxvSVF3
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoQyUJ49Cn
"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.”63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi9m33gv8q
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnqbJ4PryD
She lowered her hand.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9jt85Lyv
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Y2tLc80e
"Only a handful in history have reached this level."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkff3ozdnlF
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5NR5yzjRA
"Could you show us your abilities?" A reckless boy called out. "Like your World?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlg0EKFxX7
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpve2gjTAyg
Several students still looked confused. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7keN9xEDeA
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH5ZZmOObh
Lior leaned toward Cel, whispering. "What's a World?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaIIFzFyay
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vBfDBtt9M
Before Cel could answer, Esrin spoke.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDZb9EfeU3
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDiq3bT0Xe
"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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o0t5l4Cq1
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFAGXr4t4U
Her ruby eyes swept the classroom.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6AXEZdlB4
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxcP8lCrvP
"Besides - if I manifested my World here, the pressure alone would tear most of you apart."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPqb11W8nH
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqEZmtiDqG
The classroom went very still.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzNQ3iZnBw
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S2VdohWa6
Several students paled. The excitement drained away, replaced by uncomfortable awareness of the gap between them and the woman standing at the podium.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY9igxCo2P
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqrBLp21jm
Another hand rose.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZfmycXp3D
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcPq7sn1xg
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."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApadoI2Y75
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnWh5oaAja
The question was innocent. Curious.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiJzH4SzZq
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIGEG7yaP7
But every noble in the front rows went rigid. Glaring at the boy who'd asked such an impertinent question.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC6qtgncdN
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hKr9e78yi
Cel watched their faces, noticing something else.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72E8jYRVLG
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9qzqe24Ng
Only Percival Tempest reacted differently.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSKtVHgTQA
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccwtSVIEvg
His emerald eyes narrowed not at the commoner who'd asked.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUzzJim1jK
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUnNUBcgyp
At Esrin.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvvQO27ZXS
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3irRSISSr
His gaze locked onto her with an intensity that bordered on hostile.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLBvoxLEyi
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wf6scEq2y
'Did something happen between them?'63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg8kZVAuga
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRJ9FXLClf
Cel filed the observation away as Esrin answered. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHCths6dS
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf0ZXoMeVG
"I forsook it."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lwhIphSDk
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND6F2Ub0EO
The answer was cold. Final. Brooking no further questions on the subject.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOY6IMHg7s
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXJ8jxdUUY
The commoner who'd asked paled, clearly realizing he'd touched something sensitive.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP7dyBqo8N
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyiV3XJkHd
But Esrin's attention had already moved on.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuIUSYfY2H
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89P8nMb2Nf
"Any other questions?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl28ejv1kP
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9kc6YPeSa
More hands. More inquiries about the Legion, about missions, about what life looked like beyond the Academy walls.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0p4DO0fYR
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNKsScV6AO
Esrin answered each with the same clinical precision.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpYhrUZnuM
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXlCaMXRFk
Finally, she glanced toward the window. "That's sufficient. Prepare yourselves for this evening. The ball begins at sunset."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ9fzwoAEY
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjOHXG37WO
She walked toward the exit without ceremony.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5RDnUok2
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF2yp7Q1c6
Her boots clicked against stone - steady, unhurried. Every student tracked her movement, watching the Hallowed leave with the same presence she'd arrived with.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Olv5RUTpf
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrzERmPifs
The door closed.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnt65d2ka2
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V9nhuBl9y
Breath rushed back into the room like a tide returning.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0fCrH4un5
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNGINFM8RY
"Did you see her eyes?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPRhJvZoci
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E0hAO1ZRj
"The way she moved—"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrEio2wbpF
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySiOnlSlFO
"A Hallowed! An actual Hallowed!"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fxfKMnQxs
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyQNyh0Vvv
Even the nobles couldn't fully contain their awe. They'd seen powerful Chosen regularly. But a Hallowed was something else entirely.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT5PPYCsv2
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51yxtOemvl
Cel sat quietly, processing.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpPBTJSJz3
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHBd6F09f7
His mind churned through everything Esrin had said. The four steps. The requirements. The impossibilities stacked against him.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I3R2Z0zfM
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZdJJ1h4T0
'How the hell am I supposed to become stronger?'63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe22mMCA3N
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcasgCKyQp
The question burned without answer.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuehjr2j20d
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Pfdc1Wca
Instructor Saren returned, calling for attention and dismissing them to prepare for the evening. Students rose in clusters, still buzzing with energy. 63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8piJwy2zJ
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtKspBRB5c
But Cel barely heard her, staring at the empty podium where the Empire's greatest defender had stood.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyqXrAEoRT
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN0HfyVRAt
And wondering if he'd ever reach even a fraction of that strength.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiDbMJMc4b
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx8sMNk6Mi
His thoughts were interrupted by Lior's elbow nudging his ribs.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGuvCuwA7D
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIRXb7xDMp
"Can you believe we'll actually get to see a real ball?" Lior's voice carried nervous excitement.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWi6Pi6rNV
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK93FfoZLO
Cel glanced at him. "You know you have to dance, right?"63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFFi7EZn43
63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyQ5pGOTSn
Lior's excitement evaporated instantly. "Oh no. I forgot about that. I'm—I'm going to make a fool of myself."63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO2eIghfdm
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"All of us are," Cel said.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdB6REWjmu
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The truth settled between them. The commoners had learned basic steps in a few months. The nobles had been training since childhood.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSHhFl6r82
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Tonight would make that gap painfully visible.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm46xAYchA4
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But as the students filed toward their dormitories to prepare, Cel found himself thinking about something else entirely.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBkaO5S3SC
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Esrin would be there. Teaching. Demonstrating proper form and grace.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqol4l0YFoA
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And despite everything - despite nearly killing him, despite the cold brutality she'd shown - he couldn't deny one simple truth.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW5qCU0eqS
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She was the most elegant woman in the Empire.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqw7mCBMFj
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The ideal every noble daughter aspired to become.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOQrJsqHS7
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Tonight, he'd see that grace in its proper context.63Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo7nA6GNMr
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He was… curious to see.1234 copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Q6J13ls2 尼

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