† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 10

Star's POV

"Attention, students of Celestial College. In light of the upcoming Winter Ball, I have an announcement regarding the Codex. For the duration of the ball—three hours only—there will be a suspension of the usual restrictions on contact between Radiants and Umbrals. This means that for the night of the ball, you may interact freely without concern for the usual consequences outlined in the Codex. This is a time of celebration, a chance to foster unity and understanding. I trust you will all act with respect and responsibility. Enjoy the evening, and may the night be filled with joy and light."

The moment the announcement ended, a wave of excitement and shock rippled through the crowd. Students turned to each other, talking in hushed, hurried tones, faces lighting up with curiosity and surprise. The Codex, the rules that had governed our lives since we first arrived at Celestial College, was being lifted. Even if it was just for one night, one three-hour span, it felt like a huge shift.

I looked at Lily, who had the same wide-eyed expression as everyone else. "Did I hear that right?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "No consequences for contact? For the whole night?"

"Only during the ball," I said, my mind racing. "It's... incredible. I can't believe it."

The Codex was ancient, its rules strictly enforced to maintain balance. Angels and devils weren't supposed to touch each other, weren't supposed to get close. It was said that doing so would disrupt the balance of our magic, could even lead to dangerous instability. And yet, for one night, all of that was being set aside.

As we made our way to the dining hall, the buzz of conversation grew louder. Angels and devils alike were talking about the announcement, their voices full of speculation and excitement. The dining hall was packed, and it seemed like everyone was caught up in the news, discussing what it meant, how it would change the night. I always wondered what if... And now I actually got the chance.

I spotted Christopher almost immediately. He was sitting with his usual group of Umbrals, but for once, he didn't look bored or disinterested. His eyes were bright, his expression focused, like he was deep in thought. I watched as he talked to Marcus, gesturing with his hands, clearly discussing the announcement.

The sight of him made my heart do a strange flip. For a whole week, I'd been trying to avoid him, trying to push him out of my mind. But now, with the Codex lifted, all I could think about was the possibility of what that meant. I could talk to Christopher, could get close to him, could dance with him, and there would be no consequences. No rules keeping us apart.

I found myself wondering what he thought of the announcement, if he was as surprised as I was. And more importantly, if he would want to take advantage of it.

Lily nudged me, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Looks like you have your chance," she said quietly and smirking, following my gaze to Christopher. "The Codex won't stop you now."

I swallowed, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "Do you think he'll ask me?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. As much as I hated to admin it, I loved the chance. 

And as I hated to adnim it, I think I will lose the bet.

Lily gave me a knowing smile. "I think he's been wanting to ask you for a while. Maybe now, he'll actually do it. But even if he doesn't, you can talk to him. There's nothing stopping you anymore."

I nodded, trying to gather my courage. The announcement had changed everything. The ball was no longer just a night of dancing and celebration. It was a chance to finally confront my feelings, to see if there was something real between us, something worth breaking the rules for.