The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBM3TbTXCr
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7CPrnAiOW
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU6yD5kr1Q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoKdkduRP8
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNxZbc1QvS
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He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lpV3MsXKF
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYppv00nuJ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk4UZB8PBp
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNReoLcBWO
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQS9pOJKUU
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ5yYwqtGk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Df7Fd4ws
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbknghKzv0Q
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLnoi7MlTU
"The Academy covers it."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4s77f3fBp
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBUPUAKL0N
"But what if they don't? What if—"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWSjlvCO5E
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2SIfxALYB
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8NCySXc66
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B4FPKGXRh
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."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApcbGmze3b
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwW7Ynccug
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAX6k3bThv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyCtk0mhb0
The doors stood closed. Waiting.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhrd3Ezcc2
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKARvetsFM
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNNXA5d1lb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIPBRFhm00
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYCBUzNUD8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZsnKRgzfC
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEqS7dWuYU
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UFg7HXuet
"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."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NjUi2lFLi
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfwN9x0YK5
She consulted a scroll.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbThCJkjeU
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANxDAk38xS
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDnUO95ZqN
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukgLD9v3pY
Several students shifted uncomfortably.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYFTjEhXLA
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9LpoM6XIE
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aURCiLzBt
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEStpZz2C7a
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRhGCEvvQf
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSZBKQxQRW
Saren called the first name.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGXgbH8p3Z
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The line moved steadily.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGOgES6j2W
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjwlBOq388
"Lior."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJYnsrutRb
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVoxQalJIT
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRkaMIIgjy
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwMkc1p4CB
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hE5LxWoFX
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQV98hgs1
"Celvian."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nNTxDx4Wc
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJv7QfjS4r
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rlQo8U4ir
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx5SBi8BQO
The ballroom opened before him.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81OenK8c4P
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It was... excessive.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv1YF536ug
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZhUNs6vJ
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8IaoLYytc
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwZw1QidsG
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDqOtnJhIj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5opl5P8G54
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF6FWmLBAm
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rPUSchOaX
Esrin.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRXfBkoNZ6
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpdEaiSZqg
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. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqyneZJVvi
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W7uKceL24
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU5pcL8qSp
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzpx7YgLnR
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjma0vUtiV
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfWVNux2K0
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQKZYRJ4dW
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Silence stretched for a heartbeat.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkb4enLpkN
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Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8RE4uEB7u
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbHemsdKdk
"Rise."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AqXrkWkGR
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He straightened.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4TvKVTKRT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZWKqou9lT
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRvu35Zdt4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgvBcNPcxi
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid4HDUf9cT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHDtfTuKcV
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknivmIn6jz
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfajkWEjpuv
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGNpwoJox8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntDX4dGf2i
Then the doors opened wider.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9XICg3la6
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The nobles arrived.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8qZaSy2QM
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Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpslOZFO3Y
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They wore wealth.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6csk3JILXK
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And at their center stood Theron.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuUB8YOXu4
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o6ZZDtanS
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOIQZ1xc64
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDcPr3pqW3
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawyriLCARC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoWIMEFmsL
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Npyu5pFYh
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Ek8JQLZl
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJEYG8EUoL
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEzyTtr76O
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHw6TxGoEs
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGDEFzRx9T
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYeb3fgVzN
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And Hestia—51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4PWj0sYUx
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She entered last, separated slightly from the others.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5hteMF2sH
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XQj1KrIxk
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKysg39LDR
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmZiLGvcnc
She looked like death given elegant form.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4fCJNP8vC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP19Zt85jQD
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0Rvo5ngSF
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z8QbQnNUs
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnkVAtJ5Yj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzleOyDDkVK
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD4QunUWMX
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2HDF4e9Uc
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySMlEZi0Zp
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlVb1Wejwe
"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."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA0k1XXkJo
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQxRf05PgB
She gestured broadly.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEKnFAoa3L
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP83yzaQtp
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xJiWberqw
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6OXFgNgey
Her ruby eyes swept the room.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibzv3Ocefg
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTbz591cWE
"Begin."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nhfTF8S02
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The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxdCo3j72r
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTMjAULd2C
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYmfYG7YFA
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpRJLse3k1
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7Udkugbyq
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkoFiwtr1U
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?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX6MQfMMSD
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDR7cukk0p
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBwVjTmXMx
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WOF0WaNOz
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhcHyR2oL8
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR660tw7Ic0
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4togLjydy
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGETKqMhz2
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. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ybPB1oj2S
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpbzwMgKIC
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylndpKS8sY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ680EnI2NDk
"I'm... not very hungry."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5785qJGngo
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EDs92FIPz
The excuse came out stilted.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdIUze6sjt
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjdphheNU1
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1fiYCLqtT
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVz0U85V88
"I'm fine." 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxj6DMsUTz
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45KQJAEOmP
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZsHvPg7e2
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Ii5r1G0i
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0Y5mcY8Hv
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbqktE03RS
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMD5zq7Qv1
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GQyRcZ2fv
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUV6sCT449
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XxveRpYl9
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SNdBM0sN0
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkNPhKSZdN
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCAI412jXm
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc7ZBLx4BE
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg1gLxdfGF
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshvm6ieVSj
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfY1lhdukW
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonaTUIPEg3
"First dance. Find your partners."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDraHotweY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRo1We351L
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobyzDIf4X7
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbK3PelLPH
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmgQh7PPTk
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuERBGUeZTL
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAFeFammpQ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXWPng5Jgk
"Go."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxhW0qaBl5
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6RFS0UPKj
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ5uGFKZYx
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXhkXYlG6w
Cel remained where he was.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnOArgbguS
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYzLx7Mr4P
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtQVlgeeNj
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuMbXB38wv
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkH71AfGWx
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTn9zxOXnJ
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ191V7mhFdX
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfx9PGPse9
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox1nfxVP56
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxcm39G2Y0
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVABA36jNLC
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzvxlhsFIa
'I should ask her.'51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKixaOBgJtA
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ710s0SG2VN
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq6SBBNhQ2
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqLDqMIWjz
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkQMpXI55r
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1aC4TBTxs
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw5X9ocqKQ
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4besbu1Ju
The music swelled. The first dance began.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqNgbs54JU
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpgtBnbzFf
Cel stayed where he was.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bHBeKSuGd
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh3df9CgQt
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRCiNkhbK2
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz0fSr69fi
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'This is ridiculous.'51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73T2mdFgYb
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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?51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDkDFEbTWt
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A third dance began.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO5aPVcsVu
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His feet finally moved.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJaf1NQF1B
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7q5fWZUBs
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She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRW8PXXY96
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He stopped at appropriate distance.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qk4IEjyY1
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"Lady Hestia."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWYZhEuEa2
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"Celvian."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RjayRD2Px
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLQUQ937MN
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBcMiPtuJY
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOkdPKXCjV
"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?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP5GH1lsCJ
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Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjW53uWFju
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For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4pE4uzoj6
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Then her lips curved slightly.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLOGozJY0j
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She extended one gloved hand.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw7d4AidHW
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Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRHctvQf1P
51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gUs2ZtXFc
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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpzUivyn5g
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The music shifted. Began properly.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YI3h11rcA
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They moved.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X1uZyXGlg
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuhkArrjEY
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But theory and practice were different things entirely.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAN1nPwyco
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPuly07WeA
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Cel just tried not to step on her feet.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnCDISHzV8
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCd1R2ucCs
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Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpvi3Ln6ra
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nExzeLbRd
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Hestia.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsey5iALla
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPu8RrZVbp
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Beautiful.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUb7IgiEVt
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqKA18L0iv
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Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBu47KiW80
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Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcSwgDYLmI
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Heat crawled up his neck.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdHQyMsURO
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt83T9GfRWX
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'Think of Selina.'51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8uQBEhuVD
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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—51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4O1XqhjjE
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The heat intensified.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cP63rf7BC
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'That's worse!'51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7zs9oGS1l
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcyLHY5aw7
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQYhPc1dmh
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A smile.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhahZ7luS6Y
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouzMYaY2Ax
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Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yCr8VWO80
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Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xDwDPEc0x
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"I—"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmkmLITDEy
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqQu7tS2OD
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The music stuttered. Stopped.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycpL4Rltwc
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ636iLauV0
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Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fy8gClV5e
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There.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvgN56MJd7
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgnhEkjuFD
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Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWeIowySs2
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The crowd parted as they approached.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Frswk8xjv
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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.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWgbiLZAKJ
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And standing above him—51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EHglUCRGi
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Kyros.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpIP4pFYEl
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection47ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDrw0UL2al 尼

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