The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0qewuAf8I
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LtAhEUtQZ
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2J4qlGRlU
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRIHIJLVYm
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2XTA12Hsp
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He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuXyRYDPnW
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The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj0SOotSLP
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUYSSXZ0RX
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytWPxz9knc
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCQmatJMe8
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5itO5UQO1R
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWXYKgiaNR
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPBkaGorI6
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUyq4Y8fMt
"The Academy covers it."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm100y4w5pP
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZX3PV8PLQ
"But what if they don't? What if—"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWdXLVqafe
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC9Bp6Rgac
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjFVRzZpDX
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i6olNvK2J
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."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNQWrYjkt7
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFR3ZJljVY
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuww3ucARy
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmAmLiwwpn
The doors stood closed. Waiting.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs0afZxXXy
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpcKBKV5BS
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlHEWE6T6O
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v8eCAKd4l
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23IuzcZn3c
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55DFg0g317
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0vjuqSONI
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCdHWKnZGI
"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."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2YweGuFuu
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6iAjLCpmi
She consulted a scroll.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjuR2oStb6
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IBRKHkWT9
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8bioiCDlh
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q6EVNHh5Z
Several students shifted uncomfortably.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaOwzk37Oc
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpW8tts8z8
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0MkRu5GaR
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8BGEJl1Dh
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CudLGfEK0
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWub4sMDp2t
Saren called the first name.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFNDQEetH8
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The line moved steadily.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5Z1h3mdAV
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"Lior."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOb0fVVjgD
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He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq38a788Jwm
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPoAGrOKq1
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq9CB2Lkco
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNM9lsBJOI
"Celvian."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFetoG6jpt
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHx7K4bZzT
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItxBX5fPZW
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The ballroom opened before him.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmAKHwEJyQ
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It was... excessive.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZyFS8fUOZ
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwppOW8C2I
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnMCoF9SM0
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbwTCNct2S
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVaHgRTKb2
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEqSs404tv
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Umi4sYUw
Esrin.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhvw7NkTxT
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifFvlp16tS
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. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyXJQIyllM
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gnV1quF6R
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnImRoKfbzk
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOyRMrXc2u
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCKbxLrMnD
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kYYclG14e
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpth4fbdcW
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cg1bIZp24
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwP9QFyiTU
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Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSWKKL3gtN
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOsG65Wz7X
"Rise."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezEU025nhS
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He straightened.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1STpbcd7B
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPB5BRqvE7
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRlW59rCTk
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLiTh9UWk2
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0Qsrf9gvO
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWtG7mfY5q
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3VaSWk1rj
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8q4h79HVx
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYY7Q6krUP
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBDEeUNgbN
Then the doors opened wider.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi2jfIXyNs
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The nobles arrived.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmIEsXJtwf
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Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJfJLb3yQ7
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They wore wealth.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOy1O38GRt
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And at their center stood Theron.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JT15eIm2d
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF72z4Q3nK
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZJY8ob6qL
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw8w2ji5Eb
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmRBA0SFhE
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh5BWDKZfS
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdC18yqZia
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ9hdjC91A
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sfkeI1lfT
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVaUgsr4xp
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYIX8sOQ9a
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk27b1MFET
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBfcuCeSQL
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTdvUtfCNV
And Hestia—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1WXohE74x
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She entered last, separated slightly from the others.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OQWznTfV8
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0ziB3uME5
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dJBu9cGGk
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5Nm0K963j
She looked like death given elegant form.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL3f81hbHE
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL69oL21UpR
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOQ06KcGFI
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUr2Oi0vx
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMD1BLXPPbF
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnTIjhyyag
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL27F1LBFXB
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VIGuWJuND
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsC5nyf1o8
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn278YIGSF7
"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."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXamcAB2xs
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87bvsnxVcX
She gestured broadly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gSdvc8klm
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECeKNJrATO
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBGizbLJAu
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Her ruby eyes swept the room.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWVGaOOwPz
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"Begin."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSeBN3oaUl
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The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLinLz5PWH
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp7XYstJvu
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHMaYD9sad
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1HBGcJAKi
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZEjdAdhGr
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgNXk47UnS
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?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu7OUx0umu
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FM1Cx9LVc
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgoIYeu2kF
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGyFrk4g9c
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAJTS8UnUt
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58mQK5LN7z
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2NheEXrLb
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18SKWU0oa7
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. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDa447WbEC
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF5VoMaTpS
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1BHmwaccV
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdBA3ya4LP
"I'm... not very hungry."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SP7q8tqYq
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The excuse came out stilted.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzCcopoiGv
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF6qDb5dsy
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiktKxnkppW
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rWQjf7OTP
"I'm fine." 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpyEXgHXxb
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsaYVcffwT
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kBDwRtqry
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpdtXW2abf
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvwWMreTuz
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGgc7SHSc3
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitKEUd37mt
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9LTyuq8lO
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CUKvTXT7J
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYdiSNn3ZT
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx95MpOzjCY
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO4JJTtu42
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt4ckTkHH3
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqBWVqA4mE
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqZQVbO2hm
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdIGGqP5U7
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJBYsxpxY3
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gxQSRqP1o
"First dance. Find your partners."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBD4PG0DFF
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIausNyjR6
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WMnSgd19B
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTdF5f7VXD
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ef3IBTB0C
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSbS6uTrBv
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkAVrxbWq2
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL5AXhFfzE
"Go."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq8HsJRDIV
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kthxz0vJS
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2m1i6EeVR
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9A9Vy0SI6
Cel remained where he was.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZimdecpG6
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII6KbZTCWH
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wHhM2jRzV
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlzELsLyOH
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4C055ysw5
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHvQ5ghOuI
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp4qzFIJyP
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcvtQmNG0h
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsZWqarv4o
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gdrqA7e0v
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YnMLA9Sws
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84G1Gt65fC
'I should ask her.'45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1VSzAvnw3
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LKpycTPBH
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrPmqylcML
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOKKVBNQWp
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwmANP78u7
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa9PC8G6OF
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeY4AKJZEH
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWISDyuxQxQ
The music swelled. The first dance began.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykZkLTXCvp
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvrFdfU1FY
Cel stayed where he was.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokWwElFJRn
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65fHWoP49q
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j7UXznhAh
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'This is ridiculous.'45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkto21afUnW
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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?45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE94k2B83nT
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A third dance began.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ44iokMYzf
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His feet finally moved.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3zfrNsgi9
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Us5XwZvHx
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLRdECAOht
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzjEPWN7Kj
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He stopped at appropriate distance.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZqyaWp8dQ
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"Lady Hestia."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKuPcVTXbB
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"Celvian."45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38X1ccIY97
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNMJ51FODI
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmUeDnnLwe
"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?"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3GvjuAATm
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Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiqKvY3teF
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO278Vfbtxi
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eJVzlQsvB
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Then her lips curved slightly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljq4SELCi7
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She extended one gloved hand.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHyeezqGpV
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmi7EUY7H5
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9gQWrkskY
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2wjgaYAJ8
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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXD8s702B6
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The music shifted. Began properly.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstIXDklgIP
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They moved.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX3cOyluro
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wbuxFozLU
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTPBJ8h8fm
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTAaGrEFjJ
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Cel just tried not to step on her feet.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOx6HsHsJj
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tdxMxOi9t
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi8V5ukUNX
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99L5qaG3vY
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPIkaLXEc9
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Hestia.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1o76vrYsn
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf0RGBknQY
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Beautiful.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmxw0vM2Id
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhop5iDipK7
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Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnUJsL3huz
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAgIQjkH0P
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jInwrslyE
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Heat crawled up his neck.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3ZFfvgkUm
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPZYKOffva
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'Think of Selina.'45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mOsDQOAXV
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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—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdABdQKwS
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The heat intensified.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMtyMblTcv
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'That's worse!'45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVcLZARKNe
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh67IA0ikKt
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlizVM9lZGF
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A smile.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEXYiVA3cF
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNArjrlgaQ
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJn4gwuHWc
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOPrRRH29h
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxumJR28dR
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"I—"45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Xrdd7xOp
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWMYSsl81b
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The music stuttered. Stopped.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz08B8jSvgT
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5elXVxS7V
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Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC24fb2CLW
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There.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6zcdCOaOi
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkEqMAXAhp
45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHafBRoOWx
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNfao1wodi
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The crowd parted as they approached.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCkcCYy4iK
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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.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoKcufHBvr
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And standing above him—45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35HsE994ut
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Kyros.45Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmVuITYobj
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection41ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR7qwyeLif 尼

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