The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH1L9pS5Uq
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmEm2BgFVn
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFUqDQUg7t
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB09Dj0hnY
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG74zYXNImA
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTFgUxhW0u
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwIqe8a6Ke
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM32ertup7
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcI5o7XZED
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u55cjxus0
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwMQ8kzMXQ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xmi4RVG6h
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNci7vxaYn
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDxRUw6mIN
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXaeikaYCX
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWDyFFIcJT
"The Academy covers it."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMoIQjgLqc
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ay4ijyoJi
"But what if they don't? What if—"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl6jBNHXEY
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fLamQ8S4Z
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYADWw2EbuU
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BLQ7hnZzo
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."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwBR1CNUhC
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j3pktS0dc
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnpwmN76TF
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslo23U0hYj
The doors stood closed. Waiting.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g5MmQLvQ3
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVIpGGSUMr
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeMg8eZ2pW
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iJOHuPZbC
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufV4VsgyF2
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0KnNB6MAU
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwM3M9F61B
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuNe5hc5eq
"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."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99LK7AYAPR
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyia7aFhAk1
She consulted a scroll.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNDQRI9XSD
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauBA7Ag9Lw
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH48BNnwXYI
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uTtLJCrPJ
Several students shifted uncomfortably.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGViaZsfMC
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69pDQ6axQF
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaonUbGMCOc
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1viuw226j
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqWrPRJ0VD
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ0QjMcFDa
Saren called the first name.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaXkNfki1o
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX0BrRgAvO
The line moved steadily.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZe8SI3NRy
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGQCJ48aK5
"Lior."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRiCqDWanZ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXKqvHWWKx
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUudCuSRqF
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTdFfbtvK9
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8yz8c4Cuw
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKXLrFHTJC
"Celvian."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfGOPqRsvm
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN200r8bnZQ
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkKEMYZZ6l
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXyl3bzIoe
The ballroom opened before him.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyK5Gxqcxm
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNx43gIQiW
It was... excessive.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mDH3dASeq
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSokwWZ68e
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMNH0dpE20
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7RlQSV8YE
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjjTenIanm
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVRZ78DhWL
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGRnoCz5MP
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwgI114ry6
Esrin.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpyCqm3hNq
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuUYr0htDh
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. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9EqYca6gM
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82gYckeznP
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTelOHMyJ1
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd22Yq1VWg
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjTTQTO9DY
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8TF6rXLHq
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDFIjrt94U
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNSUWMzm6p
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJXWJcxeTW
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUf5JByBVC
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QPdYhI25m
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tE9Rr8R1r
"Rise."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdbISucYsv
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EQyhdnOt9
He straightened.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlEzZj0g56
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCymOPDO8k
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCQqb0bqmF
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpDTmxVXPR
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxBvBfi9J9
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOR6CfnBqJ
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZclx8qECte
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaqDVjWn7B
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Ds3ZnFpL
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN38ZEmOqf
Then the doors opened wider.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCzz8eF21n
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3BgikK6hM
The nobles arrived.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKvvqnmaiz
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfsRvZqs6Q
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uAbIJgXEZ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXD3FdbNGa
They wore wealth.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8OxchWyLx
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnRciDl2f3
And at their center stood Theron.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQw7Zl7oLe
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYD6k6wxBQ
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡborj81HAlh
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBebHzeSBn0
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqlmscDgES
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsFqQUQ2UJ
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7AFXRZuFV
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN1v5iUpM9
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNH35NT7v9
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGLhCjUNum
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3VgnrrMmp
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNluSQ8hD2S
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2IWxmC2C7
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpSus29rIg
And Hestia—58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWo5f8Cq9u
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ6hDtjfGy
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay0xtlupIe
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6lJfBrjpX
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlyhZgvBrU
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyOBE55Yam
She looked like death given elegant form.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ23gQJY8t
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6kXRQpCsI
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrARUKp2ukO
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWHSQZmuUw
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHl4rcA1uN
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKSpaTqApM
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMITckNuXAr
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoOHHCaKP1
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ7PpZ3mVh
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbFM57izUj
"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."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSGPpE94q1
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsuo3WzMA5
She gestured broadly.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YLiPeYakl
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hAzyDeyyD
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIhnoKHO3m
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO7kQh01HM
Her ruby eyes swept the room.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHZjqtXhni
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCTklkuOoo
"Begin."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHay9x23JO
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBe3ioAAki
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8sloUJJlN
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlHZ9uICqX
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzwrisjwfQ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa0AVX0yCY
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGj0KWxQNl
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dg9sbY8tw
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?"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4BZNA3uec
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq0M1RfWt2
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrclVN6W1Fc
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx6Zwu7v99
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZwrlayKj7
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NXVK50jce
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP5nRjMxfT
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hHXNMqixG
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. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eBQ8hsDnu
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYFpq9mpuF
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5ioqj4nVg
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplvkS1n1c0
"I'm... not very hungry."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvnsyADWc2
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cEWY5WpPC
The excuse came out stilted.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw76uqzo5SR
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWgjK6YYbS
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehacs34R7Z
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr09CJvbHtJ
"I'm fine." 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBDmX1nH9Q
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp6avVjBQj
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtB0aetoCG
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEHcIGfByn
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwr4XOTMMe
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiZQgnLAx5
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qieOgs5mm
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5WZ7rnnt3
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKchG2Ojwy
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRn6sL5wvC
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3bo9OXtis
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6rSBEmwwn
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JQpbOpgjB
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAzzHKFTOs
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWqflb3rZE
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XByQFtIhs
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhM0hCIxDJ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2YTUj2k1
"First dance. Find your partners."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOMxfRY55Q
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P2UAYkWaM
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwFNPmk7dn
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPSeKJOifW
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKmD54nNup
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUZPhKW11k
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtV7X8WuBo
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LeJJuUIlc
"Go."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevvsHrSjjf
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyTDyQZMfX
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s5rbiRVMu
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5plMlyIG7f
Cel remained where he was.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDqOMhNn40
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡterla2EqFY
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fGCN2pSY8
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI1N2OGfwU
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU9HElLdy3
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7BYSLWCI5
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6zkwAkAsX
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7G4aHbci1
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltKx7sI9f3
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaHLVUIsMd
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7BkZCEzVw
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbInFZGE0Of
'I should ask her.'58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNJPxI7SnE
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ElvBW1R78
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPoag0eEo2
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPELa41fGN8
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD51Od80ZCc
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMCedu0cts
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhAapHxwUV
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfeqtPKmkL
The music swelled. The first dance began.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHDjop0dOl
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfTAWBW5Ga
Cel stayed where he was.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrgRkX6C5n
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V6DvXaowq
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtwUHG90Ah
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pV64ZDU9Q
Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQaHoWFXzZ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiZTF8GY3j
'This is ridiculous.'58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISK9wO2WpX
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR39MvQ7XJe
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86xiVIfRk4
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb1lD4QygF
A third dance began.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOIzeTQULs
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His feet finally moved.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfdMR57OmJ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo7rgvBMd9
Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RcrYvlaHx
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelvHRqUSod
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfnxcYU4QP
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLiaSzhrcm
He stopped at appropriate distance.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FCYOUw4kQ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGom3wEQ5Q7
"Lady Hestia."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8E17bNz1D
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDBiEuwN7b
"Celvian."58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1OmCsgok5
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXeUGduVlf
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQAcGSPoSn
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0cagjpDfm
"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?"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z3aRGmNiK
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNplUkj8CCW
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA15womDuXC
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVOXLU8tsd
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qMg81KaqO
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k35SSMKYv
Then her lips curved slightly.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIwlVcWjsA
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GEmNAmCk1
She extended one gloved hand.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfAzaLoSw6
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RrrvYw1Vh
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzvhwwmyeC
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf01h8LytOE
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9k2KNC6Ay
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj1OpMoBn1
The music shifted. Began properly.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhooOIgn4i
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx1dQz07ji
They moved.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcfViVIwbm
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g5ugb7z99
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xzor6CiRy
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSSksC5h8I
But theory and practice were different things entirely.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMebnmwPbTB
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSqodRrqEm
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXS1ZLfulU
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpkwo5Kfx3
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN21jqlStw
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5DQql50kJ
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMprzi8vI0D
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY1JCHCBc5
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd7ABZLRr2
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lKMB6yIqj
And in the center of it all, impossibly close—58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jr3jXCRwW
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZHdnIRiKN
Hestia.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5loZmtHMA
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPNjN43tRS
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuiXgNWm8T
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ1VNqKfTW
Beautiful.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5tAZobhKY
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdOWFm39KX
The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UybyoejX2
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTIK8HWbIq
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hqvTLYB8H
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKISXkPYKlR
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse9mBMVDDw
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoh1jkvpCH
Heat crawled up his neck.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX0LDgSwAd
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt11R7qxAqz
He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHANhCiMC1m
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM8J2hc8Uz
'Think of Selina.'58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDWqie4VgC
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAM3CZeVtN
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—58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2omyAGs1zk
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AbEfxy1Mq
The heat intensified.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeze77Dtmij
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbc2oiBcOc
'That's worse!'58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkcLjpaade
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5POYEY3Tj
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVj1rTqgwU
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxbVnJYEDb
Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjczP1Ofq4
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFigQLgCYna
A smile.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXMjngCuIx
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFHwdxnv8z
Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFWsT2YNKd
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPN3qJghrn
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzePeRCp0a
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5VCzg0W5f
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ42CGamYT
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYExIDC3dn
"I—"58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDWgQdP43r
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV74dmT7FzB
Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq7o9RVMMc
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqM1697ieK
The music stuttered. Stopped.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSQiUZ93jW
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jNCJMJiOJ
Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hNMYpXIvQ
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfVcvwSyey
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiwACjk681
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPVpu0rxOV
There.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX8jffBfi3
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b7wiixZYV
Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8uQrW6pPv
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRT1iCFKMZ
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnIyfat9eh
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4AefV6IjN
The crowd parted as they approached.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy6N7TNSE0
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu9emzYNUb
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.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKl19BHM6J
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFtbz3c0NJ
And standing above him—58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A7RTey12P
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQHFmshYiZ
Kyros.58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfduLbLIsE
58Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZgN5PlFeo
His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection54ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGbCiRhb6t 尼

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