† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 12

Star's POV

It was the day before the Winter Ball, and I was in my room, staring at the dress I'd chosen. The sun was setting outside, casting a soft, golden glow across the floor, but I barely noticed. My attention was fully on the gown hanging on the back of my closet door, its delicate fabric shimmering in the fading light.

The dress was beautiful—more beautiful than anything I'd ever owned. It was a soft, lighten shade of blue, the color of the sky just before dawn. The bodice was fitted, with intricate silver embroidery that caught the light and sparkled like stars. The skirt flowed out in gentle waves, light as air, with layers of tulle that made it look like I was floating when I walked. It was the kind of dress that made you feel like you were part of a fairy tale, like for one night, you could be someone else, someone special.

I reached out, running my fingers over the fabric, feeling the cool, smooth texture beneath my skin. It was perfect. I'd spent hours looking for the right dress, something that felt like me but also like more. Something that would make me feel confident, beautiful, ready to face whatever the night would bring. And now that I had it, I felt... nervous.

Tomorrow night, I'd be wearing this dress to the Winter Ball. I'd be stepping into the Great Hall, surrounded by music and light and magic. I'd be dancing with Christopher, standing close to him without the Codex hanging over our heads, without the usual restrictions keeping us apart. The thought both thrilled and terrified me.

I wasn't sure what would happen. Expecially if my father would find out about me. Us. There was still a part of me that wondered if we were making a mistake, if the Codex was right, and angels and devils weren't meant to be close. But another part of me—the part that had agreed to go with him, that had said yes when he asked—was hopeful. Hopeful that maybe, for one night, we could be something more. But... I just hope I won't end like my brother. 

I stepped back, taking in the full view of the dress. It was a strange feeling, knowing that tomorrow I'd be wearing it for Christopher, knowing that he would see me like this. I wondered what he would think, if he'd smile that rare, genuine smile that made my heart race. I wondered if he'd tell me I looked beautiful, if he'd mean it.

A knock on my door startled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Lily poking her head in, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, I was wondering where you were," she said, stepping inside. "What are you up to?"

I gestured to the dress. "Just... looking at it. Trying to get used to the idea of actually wearing it tomorrow."

Lily's eyes lit up when she saw the gown. "Oh, Star, it's gorgeous! You're going to look amazing in it. Christopher won't be able to take his eyes off you."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks at the mention of his name. "I don't know about that," I said, shaking my head. "I just hope I don't trip over the skirt or something."

Lily laughed, coming over to stand beside me. "You won't. You're going to be the star of the night, no pun intended. And I know Christopher is going to be blown away."

I bit my lip, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. "I still can't believe I said yes to him," I admitted. "I mean, it's Christopher. We've spent so much time arguing and competing, and now we're... And my dad..."

"Don't you even dare to end that sentence, or even thinking about it," Lily finished, giving me a knowing look. "And maybe, just maybe, you'll figure out what's really going on between you two."

I nodded, my eyes drifting back to the dress. "I hope so," I said softly. "I want to figure it out. I just don't know what to expect."

Lily wrapped an arm around my shoulders, squeezing gently. "Whatever happens, you'll be okay. Just trust yourself, Star. And trust him, too. He wouldn't have asked you if he didn't care."

I leaned into her, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Lily. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She smiled, giving me a playful nudge. "Well, luckily, you don't have to find out. Now, come on, let's make sure you've got everything you need for tomorrow. You're going to be the most stunning angel there."

As we went through the final preparations—shoes, jewelry, hair accessories—I tried to push away the nerves, focusing on the excitement instead. Tomorrow night, I would be wearing this dress, stepping into a world of magic and possibility. And whatever happened, I knew one thing for sure: it was going to be a night I would never forget.