The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8gzeXYOjU
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXzEGFdwSM
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7rLakzyqI
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YwCk63avM
Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInL97GY0JJ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujsDBlbjfx
He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq55ws97DeJ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9xzhaPQYC
The corridor hummed with nervous energy. Doors opened and closed as students emerged in their borrowed finery, voices rising in excitement and anxiety.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBttCd3hZ4
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB1JunzPtQ
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k1dgUQ3CJ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctZo3gKu7p
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH0pShbU08
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD9YHsaXCz
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZuOgEn6Gb
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgYmr5UzgH
"The Academy covers it."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2kSKTuZ4G
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrnHI1fZak
"But what if they don't? What if—"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLvLEXEbMg
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rWDwWBApw
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfts3alfKvl
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEdpDjAPkw
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."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmqe1HCJpg
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS81Vjg6DFa
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DYu9OR03d
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqNK1nSTm7
The doors stood closed. Waiting.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi5NmuPsau
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYfAVgQqKx
"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauuTBoVppy
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDSIIk141A
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuwBPwVWv1
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmCBQgo6fF
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUYU5ZpKxH
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9oeNH7Psh
"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."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmrHfMk4f7
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNQ15LofyU
She consulted a scroll.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9G8M6hW2H
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZLNOsiUsf
"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX0OaxWNqX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kyCMF6aU
Several students shifted uncomfortably.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IB1PsneYd
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv02ON7UQD7
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI2fjiWHZj
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ976rl5rAex
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IS5bdwECg
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq56SZ0fih
Saren called the first name.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGWsLeMsqw
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3o3Gv1IFx
The line moved steadily.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQnO1OlvRo
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvTnizLUyB
"Lior."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMf7m37v0g
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXgpNxNYZP
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pqrF3OLHS
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1feiAfQ4bf
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGJA35FCA5
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWDzQ4nUd
"Celvian."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTAzvsx921
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PvY0v9JaI
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvsrB5UjsU
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBBHkGnGME
The ballroom opened before him.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZV0Mh94ft
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bqo4IYfnF
It was... excessive.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0uLbBqG21
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB3mXxxYjN
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ5xdyH4rN
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvhZwQcEof
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtd9Hz6fvZ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPZvHVANbp
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcm0bzP6Kq
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85yzmw5QvG
Esrin.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOcwEAg0Cb
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWZTSkD0zG
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. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaIoYudePm
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCs0dJ8APn
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQms4URUeOl
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qWlV3OLUL
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O97M116Bj
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zulpDT4HX
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSQDFpRMS3
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDclxurVnz
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhiIfRA6F5
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQFj4a22fO
Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGHXyBEfxb
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68fHWAbcsC
"Rise."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXCjqUwjfF
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJEc3x2p5u
He straightened.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3cRCv6ny5
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC1ar6WEEm
Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCifw0ykvC
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlRvVw0PvO
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5iMIjLOlE
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraLP5okwLx
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Bfs4NXWS
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmHxaB6H99
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOoiN2yNjT
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlxzHJCqmq
Then the doors opened wider.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvhuTprO8a
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJcNcjen8K
The nobles arrived.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViJlIhAO0J
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyswvh2bSz
Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa4BeVKMV6
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L8mgLP7A9
They wore wealth.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpfCiX72pJ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXIqjUWImU
And at their center stood Theron.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLdwgadEog
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf92MrD1e8
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2EHmIkVpF
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMgC3gkuuJ
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIzq2n8JAC
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcn4RXb4t2
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfjoKwcfLA
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7jXhzXXOx
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMujE2HtEvK
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJtNEztAoT
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle2zxZ2vgX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1YkryvmM
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk6bvJnZo1
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZIGcFY7wI
And Hestia—88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMTtDi2mZI
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF0J04fGH3
She entered last, separated slightly from the others.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEekhZXrJc
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvO2WU2S7D
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ68VmxIyZ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8lP2aqfh4
She looked like death given elegant form.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhJkTJZj5Z
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwKPkCY7JG
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMopXwRB0Mw
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Q0QYlfDB
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9GOoiZveM
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQneHL63D9
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWASSzoXcK
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhffhwNqcX
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt0HZEtXCm
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKA5Ndi3HP
"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."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHv2SihI3Z
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhLQVyLUTv
She gestured broadly.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdFapaiGPX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1l9GemspZ
"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmLHNnZFAS
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOta300ifIJ
Her ruby eyes swept the room.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjpvn84mk3
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxgIGdx98T
"Begin."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6K2xjR8yi
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CaiSa5Lq8
The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyWrNk0Z1I
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2phkkIuQS3
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckLeVZKpiu
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyFgPD7dWj
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bww6rK2kM
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zrfBjtgcu
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?"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyIIy0fly6
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzZqo4Cn6J
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVbpDxXJKa
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciX7pbUlEg
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmXJ2BHs4I
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YhRxNO9bV
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuTdaaAEnm
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eRf67bQmU
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. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb0cygIUk7
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwWLC22HwY
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFIZLSfCst
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgidKutgwbm
"I'm... not very hungry."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcKmmjB86W
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuoIKbJijl
The excuse came out stilted.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKmrlW4mYn
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGafyT5IJ6
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig6kGjHJr4
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfMkTTom6P
"I'm fine." 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p2CX6Pyba
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KMKe47ZRG
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JNu3n1GX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ3nYIiCwQ
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9eLzIwKFv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XCxqbs4nG
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ6SjRye2q
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9akAgeDZo
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQpkmM5BeV
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN9b0AZ1jZ
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hqI3D9tfa
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIeEPrA8yd
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKK3r9NX20
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPTzGvfqBe
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj1fjyYiG6
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOPY8BGzrX
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlNdkAF7uY
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziJDC04GRJ
"First dance. Find your partners."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6ZvmOdK4E
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNjwBOw0X4
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpF7N40LJ6
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiLzQQmolK
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMxwWwxrFp
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lWUTPZ7r3
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f3sxnYhzZ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk2fO9FCGh
"Go."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIcV24rAqQ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZameIh5yb0
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mVALIhxfA
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuejpyY9pLA
Cel remained where he was.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBZbKCcH8c
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArtWySV4BS
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHjDEtNHAp
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCvISApwy1
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaj1AIBBnV
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51VlkaqueX
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHt2DYsupq
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOWNL6XeXp
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt2IP3NbxG
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa1Bc9Aj7u
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5I6tFhqEJ
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7pGrwtkHx
'I should ask her.'88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2xBZtZ8VA
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Bp00FR5h
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Qg5UyxdV
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHFV2Pjkaw
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDHNjnqIo1
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0ZkAbSdlH
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHcA01safR
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3MfJdzol8
The music swelled. The first dance began.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFj8pqCWTl
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOhSpaJjwe
Cel stayed where he was.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkudx0VYkkg
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpcKslFKkW
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aZQrajXoW
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrckKZBQxbr
Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdBhwr3t8W
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxfiulNuQi
'This is ridiculous.'88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcjzE35WCX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf40sfiENGG
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvtQ5rYgTb
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7312N29Z5d
A third dance began.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CdWGV51qJ
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His feet finally moved.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN789Oni7D
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbFZqbRsSO
Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwF2deAVPv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL0CpvLKdu
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNruBIYzhUB
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliSpyhsgor
He stopped at appropriate distance.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNzyrGqzhR
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq0o9kLcp1
"Lady Hestia."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoWYl2Lfnd
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoDIk83hot
"Celvian."88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7ozYjtQLV
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvq7cEQZtA
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4SB0eZqGX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ARNXZeBoO
"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?"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aDZmETnaF
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiUMgBnuQI
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9Ul9RW3QC
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wtXa2BWub
For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaTg34GG9k
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsdLVDrmzA
Then her lips curved slightly.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9wcUHl5Xh
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUGw5mu2Ve
She extended one gloved hand.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsTBbUfosv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIxIJdvJDF
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32KT9yMcpk
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RHHSHoCFr
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XjCHeTlI9
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfUEgLNSbS
The music shifted. Began properly.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugk4IkqQ0T
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8TLq3VoHb
They moved.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGr7YKNgPK
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEOBe86izS
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONWRkhnPkq
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DA03fJDep
But theory and practice were different things entirely.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkd79GS8sA
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUM8ldgh41
Hestia flowed through the movements with effortless grace. Each step perfectly timed. Each turn executed with precision that came from years of training.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdGeVchkPm
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6GfrnCdVd
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmHH4TlEOr
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEnW2a4XDe
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqadHUeupnx
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbimcekIhw6
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUDDdfXZss
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhwfRY0LIZ
And in the center of it all, impossibly close—88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRem7sQLhx
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAOU6KEeAG
Hestia.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshlY3ZjApY
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZgdeAoxpy
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQMrraZ9CA
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum6BITBJ0i
Beautiful.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnrtWrRjsR
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTKYLkXToS
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDdMehkio3
Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH87IEqmmC
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESScVaWlQS
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW36I1blhNv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyaMXetpIO
Heat crawled up his neck.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0rV6emjhC
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRMAnGUFV2
He tried to look away. Couldn't. Their faces were too close, the dance's structure forcing proximity that felt suddenly overwhelming.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt5Z5h5XPX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY15BEXa3qR
'Think of Selina.'88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSRCftqOiE
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGQLXZF7yZ
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—88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEMJZAmZLR
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gYASgyoz6
The heat intensified.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKiU96vJ7f
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'That's worse!'88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcxDWwdBGl
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqiDskQdXS
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE0LATqmEv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajqMLYAnaE
Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZwZODIABY
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A smile.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy3rOyvD1z
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zb7UweMb0
Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo8fGF5uYv
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf4JHBZjFo
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwhaZ2ouk
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPb5j66FGv
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zsMax0BWG
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ0Z5vzVsO
"I—"88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfadwwCVZX
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9z4rf25YR
Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bLM5ibSMk
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0mgG7XJXN
The music stuttered. Stopped.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlji3HPrew
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMF3I4FOm2
Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUGtRIVRcl
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ2EdNT5NF
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyfhYVWllh
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIB9ciknBg
There.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSMEXF6vBY
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutmQ33CWyT
Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZjpnDfO3V
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM6kKCR6jw
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLvEVSWHTx
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc5eohPbpR
The crowd parted as they approached.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkAcM1B2P2
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XgxKlENJB
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.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu81Po4YdEx
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtlgzOBu0b
And standing above him—88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpfEms9g3J
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqf7epZsTq
Kyros.88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nkHm555FT
88Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuxdt9CYSC
His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection84ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHZbFdgaZT 尼

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