"I choose Celestia," he said, his voice clear and confident.
Celestia's eyes widened in surprise, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
'Yeah, well of course. Who's surprised?' Aeric heard Aryanne's thoughts. Even though he wasn't even trying to.
The room buzzed with whispers as all eyes turned to her. Celestia hesitated briefly before standing, her curvy features moving with her, although her usual poise had slightly faltered because of the way Aeric had just proudly selected her in front of everyone.
It gave her a kind of validation she didn't even know she was wanting, and it also overwhelmed her at the same time, as she walked to join Aeric's team.
"Hey," Aeric said to her with a smile as she joined them.
"Hey." She smiled back shyly and stood beside him.
Melina watched jealously from her team, then humphed and looked away.