† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 13

The afternoon of the Winter Ball had finally arrived, and the entire school was buzzing with excitement. Everywhere I went, I could feel the energy in the air, like a current running through the hallways and rooms of Celestial College. Angels and devils alike were getting ready, discussing outfits, last-minute plans, and who they hoped to dance with. It was as if the whole school had been enchanted, caught up in the magic of the night that was about to unfold.

I had finished getting ready early, my dress hanging neatly on the back of my closet door, my hair already done up in loose curls. I should have been in my room, putting on the final touches, but instead, I found myself outside, wandering the gardens, needing a moment to breathe, to think.

The gardens were quiet, the snow covering the ground like a soft blanket, muffling any sound. The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden light over the trees and bushes, making everything look dreamlike, like something out of a storybook. I walked along one of the paths, my footsteps crunching softly in the snow, my thoughts a jumble of nerves and anticipation.

Tonight was the night. In less than an hour, I'd be stepping into the Great Hall, dressed in my gown, ready to face whatever the evening would bring. I'd be meeting Christopher, dancing with him, talking with him, without the Codex or the usual restrictions keeping us apart. It felt surreal, like a dream I was half-afraid to wake up from.

I was so lost in thought that I almost didn't see him. But then a flash of movement caught my eye, and I stopped, peering through the trees. At the far end of the garden, in a small clearing, Christopher was training with his blade, his body moving in fluid, precise motions. He was shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat, his muscles rippling with each swing of his sword.

For a moment, I just watched him, my breath catching in my throat. He looked completely focused, every movement controlled, his eyes locked on an invisible opponent. The blade in his hand gleamed in the light, cutting through the air with a deadly grace. I'd seen Christopher fight before, but never like this. There was something raw, something almost vulnerable in the way he moved, like he was using the training to work through something, to burn off whatever was on his mind.

I took a step forward, the crunch of snow under my boot louder than I intended. Christopher's head snapped up, his eyes finding mine instantly. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the air between us crackling with unspoken tension. Then he lowered his blade, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths.

"Starly," he said, his voice rough, like he hadn't expected to see anyone out here. "What are you doing here?"

"I... I needed some air," I replied, taking another step toward him. "It's so crowded inside. I just needed to think."

Christopher nodded, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "Same here. Figured I'd get some practice in before the ball. Clear my head."

I looked at him, at the way his hair clung to his forehead, damp with sweat, the way his muscles tensed and relaxed as he breathed. There was a vulnerability in him, a rawness that I hadn't seen before. It was like all the walls he usually kept up had come down, just for this moment.

"Are you nervous?" I asked quietly, surprising myself with the question.

Christopher's eyes flickered, and he let out a small, humorless laugh. "Me? Nervous? Come on, Starly, you know me better than that."

But I could see the truth in his eyes, the tension in his jaw. "You are," I said, taking another step closer. "Why?"

He sighed, sheathing his blade and running a hand through his hair. "I don't know," he admitted. "Maybe because tonight feels... different. Like it actually matters. I've spent so long pretending I don't care about anything, about anyone. But with you... I can't pretend. Not anymore."