And there it was… the truth both of them had been avoiding verbalizing but had become impossible to ignore after witnessing what just occurred.
Luna's expression while dancing had been unmistakable to those who knew what to look for, who understood the subtle language of her unguarded emotions.
It wasn't the neutral expression she usually maintained in public like a carefully worn costume. Not the perfected mask of a reserved noble lady she used as armor against a world that demanded constant performance.
This had been real in ways Luna, or even the two of them, never allowed others to see, a vulnerability that should have been terrifying to show but somehow wasn't when directed at Ren.
Like he was the only thing existing in the hall despite hundreds of spectators. Like the rest of the world, judges evaluating, nobles watching, students whispering… all of it had dissolved until only the two of them remained.
