The Academy had commissioned formal attire for all forty commoner students. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYziJGtbrg
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3YZCPulua
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh33cryQxE4
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Fine enough to pass at a noble gathering. Not fine enough to be mistaken for one.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPoca5nFXH
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He adjusted the collar one final time, then left.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflOoS52VU4
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggshbceF3y
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nkg8Eu600
Lior appeared from his room, wheat-blond hair actually combed for once. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84OAUHE04t
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiamVTHAtE
His hands kept smoothing down the front of his jacket. Again. And again.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsv2eCo9s6
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNrj6ZbMCX
"If I tear this—" Lior's voice came tight. "Do you know what this probably costs?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SfupfYvXC
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDLkpFwokg
"The Academy covers it."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQu7dT0B6M
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJs2iLPh0m
"But what if they don't? What if—"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPermgdTd6
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7qHEeJuHz
"They cover it." Cel started walking. "That's what Instructor Saren said."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNovMAAW9EX
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkxmXqHeuM
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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZgLgIrDJd
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimQ9zxnzxG
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuguDAoifZ1
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oIWI0UKAo
The doors stood closed. Waiting.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaF6cYzYdh
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"Do you think we just... go in?" Lior whispered.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtuys3Ma6E
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncRFduFyj3
Before Cel could answer, the doors swung open.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy3tnRjXNd
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuQyMXpWQo
Instructor Saren emerged, her usual practical attire replaced by formal robes in deep blue. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSqF5TES8f
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8vSuZV0xv
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8b35MbnGY
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She consulted a scroll.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb749rw459
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"After she acknowledges you, move to the side and wait quietly. Do not wander. Do not cluster near the refreshments like starving animals."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZW0h9MRbq
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Several students shifted uncomfortably.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKOTpV6uxn
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PpQ9k5RxO
“When everyone has arrived, the evening's lesson will begin." She paused. "Understood?”53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNSG3RBkmU
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S7468uIEg
Murmurs of assent rippled through the group.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFoRJ1S0Y0
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Saren called the first name.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFG2s9dnhh
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The line moved steadily.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqinx5X2AHB
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"Lior."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgaQ4IcfYm
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN5iBULVGl
He went rigid. His hands smoothed his jacket one final time before he walked forward, shoulders squared in a way that looked almost convincing.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNnSx2mnO1
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdL0VAFFbJ
Cel waited. Watched more students filter through. The nervous energy around him gradually thinned as numbers dwindled.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTwpPb10wr
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUKzl53Vuc
"Celvian."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagfRfVYnfJ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHgyo0j81n
He moved forward, boots silent against polished floors.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy55zhQmlW
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkebVCXRBS
The ballroom opened before him.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7GRa5d1hw
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It was... excessive.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAEeGsiK9o
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrphwKmZDq4
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6HojZ0IKs
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOGNBSREO9
Students lined the walls on either side - commoners who'd already paid their respects, standing in nervous clusters.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbntTPMcX4K
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UZ3zyUf8B
And at the center, standing with perfect stillness—53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxUNqYu37C
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwbreLyGuq
Esrin.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBkTRgOvWu
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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. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUt3Dj5vgk
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67uf2cHm6Z
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qjVbzwty4
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnF5aVAxpW
Cel stopped at the appropriate distance and bowed - deep enough to show respect, not so deep as to grovel.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhI3R6O8U5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeTI9jQs2s
"Lady Esrin." His voice came steady. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence." 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9BbnXOhG1
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM4IKmwd95
Silence stretched for a heartbeat.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiA9QCrR4P
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Then her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3iPxr2sQc
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"Rise."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutwscIwKga
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He straightened.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoiZ3cCgKY
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Those ruby eyes studied him with the same assessing intensity she'd shown in the Ashlands. But her expression remained neutral - professional.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBXRC1xpig
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1r5OUAnhk
"Celvian." The name carried no particular inflection. Just acknowledgment. "You may join the others."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgHE04V5Hs
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxafGlZ2Pi
He bowed again and moved to the side, joining Lior near the wall.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTaCbdxVFL
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEt7f98lJI
More students filtered in. The ballroom gradually filled with nervous energy and whispered conversations as commoners took their places along the perimeter.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmEBSgWrEV
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jsjs1SIzN
Then the doors opened wider.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WGg4aAvrB
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The nobles arrived.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblrUbSmrHT
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Not one by one. Together, in a coordinated entrance that suggested careful planning.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsiWiDQTbD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ01raY443
They wore wealth.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eYWWFmzBH
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And at their center stood Theron.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRWRRJapIw
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmHHSrVYXG
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kIlLHF656
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Ltlr2D5Y
Beside him, Sylvaine wore flowing emerald green adorned with golden leaves that seemed to catch and hold the light. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP42u1UF4XS
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1lFU9zrDF
Owen's ensemble practically glowed - mountain gray fabric with silver embroidery so intricate it must have taken weeks to complete. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGN8AmIKno
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UquJDjefO
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvetF0gLIj
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTt2oF60YL
Percival wore storm-gray attire with green wind patterns so finely worked into the fabric they seemed to move. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSdXd92s7w
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3zL8XwtT5
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIAvPuerBT
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And Hestia—53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4C6HP1URS
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She entered last, separated slightly from the others.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AwskBUL7U
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmovIbSsnuI
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwTPtpBvMI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uRuhUcHZ0
She looked like death given elegant form.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMZLgzfD6X
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i2SLGJGoW
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ239qbCw8vM
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY1jvTkIVE
When they finished, the ballroom felt complete. Forty students in their finest, arranged in informal clusters that revealed the social divisions clearly.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuZ9jnzcxu
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKcRquzN7P
Nobles near the center. Commoners at the edges.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSienTXvBO
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqbbNkWruq
Esrin's voice carried across the space without effort.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRl58byR6v
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTYSUW2h8
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E4Rbn9a9H
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She gestured broadly.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWSHpG83H2
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"The refreshments are yours to enjoy. The evening is structured around multiple dance sessions. I expect you to participate."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH0RYTxikg
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIenyzln9m
Her ruby eyes swept the room.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPZwUeXgIY
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"Begin."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rRwmg2KaH
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The formality dissolved. Conversations rose. Students drifted toward the refreshment table in clusters.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUhySf4ung
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGViFZCjJsq
Cel followed Lior, who immediately reached for a pastry with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious treasures.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ768RDNHCCI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr1RMgNx0l
"These are..." Lior bit down, eyes widening. "This is incredible."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGzYpnVewA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mrhJwzJ0w
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?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCswQGiOXs
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVlSDhAfy8
Cel picked up something at random. Brought it to his mouth. Chewed.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngWtfTf1W2
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5PGPbiA6o
Nothing. Just texture. The mechanical process of breaking food down and swallowing.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWG3q8VAaz
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCkWK9EMA8
"Try this one!" Lior held out another pastry. "It's got this glaze that—you have to taste it."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXHvWh97gc
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKV4djbxRy
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. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd6SmNFQR6
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjG4t4WMxa
Cel's throat tightened. His hand moved toward the offered food, then hesitated.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIT4iBJP7e
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFRJ3C2vuw
"I'm... not very hungry."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Q0M3HegE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NNmSMmyJ7
The excuse came out stilted.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ivfR0jffL
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED5S9xxKJg
Lior's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Oh. Are you feeling alright? You look a bit—"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aYciaGSpq
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tJy1FxHqz
"I'm fine." 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoJfjLDT8B
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNK4wjoDon
Lior studied him for a moment, concern flickering across his features. Then he seemed to decide not to push. "Well, more for me then."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZupp0jxW8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCRlSe1f7h
He turned back to the spread with renewed focus, giving Cel an escape from the uncomfortable moment.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBVx37DNtD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeRKDjNmJw
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6dou4P7rg
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JOCS79u8T
The commoners stayed near the walls, voices hushed.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OpRCGcLKW
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sjUUvB3f1
And Hestia stood alone near the far corner, crimson eyes tracking the room with clinical assessment.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6eCsB8c2U
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh28db7RcuQ
Music began - soft, unobtrusive. Background rather than performance.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsM5XZiRZA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcue83YKtE
Time passed. Cel couldn't say how long. Minutes blurred together in observation and Lior's continued amazement at each new delicacy.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYpfVEpllJ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVsdW6ZOyA
Then Esrin's voice cut through the ambient noise.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZjaGszMZE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSN9HRvYD5
"First dance. Find your partners."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnnmukkpc5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7IbI6Xdg8
Movement rippled through the ballroom immediately. Nobles approached nobles with practiced ease. Some commoners found courage to ask each other.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMRq8JCEzO
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNOgJ8GqZr
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBijTCP8SgM
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLPqzalGX1
"I should—" He glanced at Cel. "Will you be—"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hJAUNnQ5q
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6U8mHjsOD
"Go."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZrNw9M361
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwBWWBBuK6
Lior crossed the ballroom with surprising determination. The girl's face brightened when he approached.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmAxG14jXy
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74cACNmjJq
Cel remained where he was.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRCNC5FAwS
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopj04QxowH
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2nIFszVEE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMVY8mnNhr
No one approached the isolated Moon Chosen.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtW8OWkr9u
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOpy3kpf3I
His gaze tracked across the room, landing inevitably on the far corner.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2GCELvGWf
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbfKofyopQ
Hestia stood alone, hands folded at her waist. Several nobles had glanced her direction, seemed to consider, then moved on.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgtgkhuEqj
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1mxc23DE8
Cel's feet shifted. Stopped again.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87q1OvX6vy
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOq9M8OZpC
'I should ask her.'53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYWDmRlGtz
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm0A5sACA0
The thought arrived with uncomfortable clarity. They sparred every night. This was just dancing - less violent, arguably easier.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6B2tMXCLm
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasyc7MZWdt
But asking felt different. More exposed somehow.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoK6w9F1UL
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEacRZphQT
He watched as another commoner worked up the courage to approach a girl. Watched her polite refusal, the boy's retreat.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20b3iTT1Ap
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd76WxaO62
The music swelled. The first dance began.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRaZap2zYy
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B4AuOYbXQ
Cel stayed where he was.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpuSjNyi0o
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5v6n4JJg5
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv7uPAU4Ui
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Hestia remained in her corner. Alone.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjOmtCrLL6
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'This is ridiculous.'53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9MtuWacyP
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejaG9Y0JHY
Cel's jaw tightened. They fought each other every night. She'd beaten him senseless dozens of times. Why was this harder?53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfYNMYTCFT
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzUYM5Y1ID
A third dance began.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05tkyhZu6N
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His feet finally moved.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jjEbeukAT
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Each step across the polished floor felt heavier than the last. The distance between them shrank - ten steps, eight, five.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbo9uAFUJ5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouIiVCeOc2
She noticed him approaching. Her crimson eyes tracked his movement with that same intense assessment.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX7tieXD6j
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He stopped at appropriate distance.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjaawrC2Fq
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28vIeasTuR
"Lady Hestia."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuwb5oRsbV
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Y91GlhGb
"Celvian."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vimNxBL7W
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwfARfTrKg
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTg4ManTVF
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0KREnDNlr
"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?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs2tTpXLMi
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3kCskGihR
Her expression remained perfectly neutral. Unreadable.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3Q1R45rcj
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For a heartbeat, he thought she'd refuse. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFIByyk7Qj
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Then her lips curved slightly.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlbamIdpjG
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMX1W0Acbh
She extended one gloved hand.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrawFxAqFv
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqWLM7GdGD
Cel took it carefully, her gloved fingers light in his palm. They moved to the dance floor together, joining the other couples arranging themselves.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ5hhs5G1H
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft5pvHnvCw
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTmGd5eCA8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSmVridd5h
The music shifted. Began properly.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlALQpxjYTi
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They moved.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT75SN9Ysj
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsD0YfaYfD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nXS1oGVdu
But theory and practice were different things entirely.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cWkdJkW3J
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3VC4oeOkY
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrqPlr5KLn
Cel just tried not to step on her feet.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqoRrXHwKh
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfuDGatSlw
They turned. His hand at her waist guided - or tried to. She adjusted slightly, covering his awkwardness so smoothly he almost didn't notice.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2naRTaiti
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysxFsT94st
Another turn. The ballroom spun around them - chandeliers becoming streaks of golden light, other couples blurring at the edges.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVYrZKyRJz
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And in the center of it all, impossibly close—53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpMpyvzIDE
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Hestia.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssNwW0V3Tp
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvFZwHK1mV
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Beautiful.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk058gNGorN
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The thought arrived with uncomfortable force.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIadd60h4al
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Not like Selina's ethereal grace. Not divine and untouchable.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8m9Kvbaa7
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAOEqs48fh
Just... beautiful. In a way that made his chest tight and his thoughts scatter.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOkSKvxFMJ
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Heat crawled up his neck.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVEBP7ML7B
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSylCSt2nWI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECuEsg05bX
'Think of Selina.'53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfZz8Yw8UZ
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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—53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMzDeZ5W14
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The heat intensified.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ783yR4ShQO
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'That's worse!'53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKGLjCZVcn
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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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90wDxqXhIf
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Then her perfectly neutral composure cracked.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXo5hGncKz
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A smile.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3v2l0kMAO
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Small. Genuine. Almost... amused.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYn0DRxN8W
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPgocyTvat
Her eyes remained fixed on his, taking in his embarrassment with what looked like quiet satisfaction.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIn8YjzoqJ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcushS1TiS9
Cel tried to form words. Failed. Tried again.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mhNvKETwS
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"I—"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z1SCxj6jx
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Commotion erupted from across the ballroom.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFkcwf66De
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The music stuttered. Stopped.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJE0jWxI5U
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Couples paused mid-step, turning toward the disturbance.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa21Y6Ipw8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfx6vGbe6M
Cel's hand fell from Hestia's waist. They separated, both scanning for the source.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgEKaoc09y
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There.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOBf9h7hMl
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Near the refreshment table. A crowd had formed - students pressing closer, voices rising.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpQs1NOVAX
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbuFq3MP2t
Cel moved without thinking, crossing the floor in quick strides. Hestia followed.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57v2hgUpiE
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The crowd parted as they approached.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnuxtbKxr3
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Df7pqusa0
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL6k17s2pE
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And standing above him—53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi4d9DJKJb
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Kyros.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2iV316l9t
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His fire-red outfit was soaked from chest to waist, the expensive fabric clinging wet and ruined. ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection49ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyK6ms5A0q 尼

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