† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 3

the third month of school, the crisp autumn air had turned sharp, the breeze carrying the scent of frost and fallen leaves. My daily routine at Celestial College had settled into something almost comfortable, yet there was always tension underneath, a tension that seemed to sharpen with every passing day. And the reason was simple: Christopher.

From the first day, Christopher had been a constant thorn in my side. Tall, with piercing red eyes and an infuriatingly smug smile, he had an aura of confidence that clashed with my own sense of purpose. He was everything I despised about the devils—arrogant, manipulative, always pushing the boundaries. Our rivalry had been immediate and intense, like two forces of nature colliding. But beneath the surface of our rivalry, there was something more.

It all started with a stupid deal. We'd been arguing in Ethics class about human nature, of all things. Christopher had made some snide comment about how easily humans were led astray, how they were weak and destined to fall into darkness. I'd fired back, saying it was our job as Guardians to show them the light, to prove that there was always a choice. Things escalated from there, our voices rising until Professor Seraphina had to intervene.

 After class, Christopher had caught up to me the way i was going to my room, his eyes gleaming with a challenge.

"Let's make a deal, Starly," he'd said, his voice low so only I could hear. "Whoever falls first, loses."

"Falls?" I'd asked, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"In love," he'd clarified, leaning against the wall with that infuriating smirk of his. "Let's see who gives in first. You're always going on about love and light, aren't you? Let's see how well you can resist."

And just like that, I was caught. I couldn't back down. Not with Christopher watching, expecting me to fail. So I'd agreed, my pride not allowing me to do anything else. Now, three months in, I found myself constantly aware of him. Every time I saw him, my heart would race, not with affection but with frustration and defiance. I had to prove him wrong. I had to show him that I wasn't weak.

''Hmm...'' I thought, ''Well i bet you fall first and harder'' I actally smirked at him. ''If i win i want a wish. Whatever I want''

''Okay. So if i win, I want you to break one rule with me'' he smirk widden more. He handed me his hand. ''Bet?''

''Bet''

***

Every day was a test. In Divine Magic class, I'd focus on channeling light energy, letting it flow through me like a river, steady and calm. But even as I did, I could feel Christopher's eyes on me, like a shadow at the edge of my vision. In Celestial Combat, our swords clashing in practice matches, his every move was a taunt, his every word a challenge.

"You're getting better with that sword," he'd said one day, leaning casually against the wall after class. "Almost like a real Guardian. But tell me, Starly, how will you protect yourself when your heart gets involved?"

I'd glared at him, refusing to rise to the bait. "I don't have time for distractions," I'd replied coolly. "Some of us take our training seriously."

His smile had widened. "Oh, I'm serious, too," he'd said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Serious about winning." That was the moment where i wanted to punch him in the face.

***

I spent my free time practicing in the solitude of the gardens behind the Hall of Light, trying to clear my mind. But even here, away from the crowded halls and busy classrooms, I couldn't escape the deal hanging over me. I found myself replaying conversations with Christopher, analyzing his words, searching for hidden meanings. Every smirk, every glance felt loaded with subtext. It was maddening.

One evening, after a long day of classes, I found myself alone in one of the practice rooms. The mirrors on the walls reflected my image back at me, making the room feel smaller, more confined. I held my sword of light in my hand, focusing on my breathing, on the steady rhythm of my heartbeat. I needed to center myself, to clear my thoughts.

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me, smooth and taunting. "Can't get enough of me, can you?" Christopher's voice cut through the silence, startling me. He stood leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed, that familiar smirk playing on his lips.

I turned to face him, trying to keep my expression neutral. "What do you want, Christopher?"

He shrugged, stepping into the room. "Just checking my favorite angel Starly," he said. "You've been avoiding me lately. I was starting to think you were afraid."

"Afraid of what? And son't call me that!" I asked, my voice steady, even as my heart pounded.

"Afraid of falling," he said simply. "You know, Starly, you're doing a remarkable job of keeping your distance. But how long can you really keep it up? How long until you admit what's really going on?"

"There's nothing to admit," I said sharply. "The only thing going on is your overinflated ego. I'm not falling for you, Christopher. This deal is just a game, and I don't play games."

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to shrink around us. "You say that, but I see the way you look at me. Like you're trying so hard to hate me, but you can't quite manage it."

My breath caught in my throat, anger flaring. "You're wrong," I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I know exactly what you are, Christopher, and I'll never fall for someone like you. Those like you are the fault i had to watch my own brother killed by our own father." I said, wipping a tear from my cheek.

He took a step closer, his expression serious now, the teasing gone. "We'll see," he said softly. "The year is still young, and the heart has a way of betraying us when we least expect it."

With that, he turned and left, leaving me alone in the practice room, my heart pounding in my chest. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my own eyes staring back at me, filled with confusion and something else—fear. I couldn't afford to falter. Not now. Not with Christopher watching so closely.

I tightened my grip on my sword and took a deep breath. I couldn't let him win. The deal still stood, and I was determined to prove that I could stay strong, that I could resist whatever this was between us. I was a Guardian, after all. And Guardians didn't fall for devils. 

My brother however... Dosen't count.