† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 7

The announcement of the Winter Ball had thrown the entire school into a frenzy. Everywhere I went, people were talking about it, buzzing with excitement. In the hallways, in the classrooms, even in the library, I could hear students discussing what they were going to wear, who they hoped to dance with, and how incredible it would be to see the Great Hall transformed into a winter wonderland.

For the first time since the announcement, I felt a little bit of hope. Maybe the ball would be a good thing. A chance to forget about rivalries, to forget about the constant tension between angels and devils. I could picture myself there, wearing a beautiful dress, dancing under the enchanted snowfall, just like in the stories. 

For one night, everything would be perfect.

I was on my way to Healing class when I was intercepted by Julian, one of the angels in my Divine Magic class. He was tall and handsome, with bright blue eyes and wings that shimmered like silver. Julian was always smiling, always friendly, and we'd worked together on a few projects before. I liked him—he was easy to talk to, easy to be around.

"Hey, Star," he said, stepping into my path with a grin. "Got a minute?"

"Sure, Julian," I said, smiling back. "What's up?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little nervous, which was unusual for him. 

"Well, I was wondering... have you thought about the Winter Ball yet?"

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't been expecting this. "I've thought about it," I said cautiously. "Why?"

Julian took a deep breath, his smile widening. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me. As my date, I mean."

For a second, I was speechless. Julian was popular, one of the top students in his year, and he could have asked anyone to the ball. But he'd chosen me. A small part of me was flattered. It would be nice to go with someone kind, someone who wouldn't turn the night into a game. Julian was safe, predictable. I wouldn't have to worry about him trying to provoke me or push my buttons.

But before I could respond, a memory flashed through my mind—Christopher, standing in the back of the Magic classroom, his eyes dark with frustration. His voice, so much softer than usual, saying, "Maybe I don't know how to stop." 

For reasons I couldn't explain, that moment had stuck with me. I'd been thinking about it ever since, wondering what he'd meant, why he'd let his guard down.

"Star?" Julian prompted, looking a little anxious. "Are you okay?"

I forced myself to focus, to push thoughts of Christopher away. 

"I... I don't know, Julian," I said honestly. "I mean, I'd like to go, but..."

His smile faltered. "But what?"

I hesitated, searching for the right words. "I just... I'm not sure I want to go with a date," I said finally. "It's not you, I promise. I'm just... trying to figure some things out."

Julian's expression softened. "Hey, no worries," he said gently. "I get it. The ball is a big deal, and if you're not sure, that's okay. We can still hang out there, right?"

"Of course," I said, relieved. "Thanks for understanding, Julian."

He gave me a warm smile. "Anytime, Star. See you in class."

He turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the hallway, feeling more confused than ever. Julian's invitation had been kind, sincere. Going with him would have been easy, comfortable. So why had I hesitated? Why did I feel like something was holding me back?