† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 28

Star's POV

I sat in the director's office, my heart racing as the minutes dragged on. My mind was a tangled mess of anger, betrayal, and fear. I couldn't stop replaying the moment in the classroom when I had screamed at Rou and Christopher. The shock on their faces, the raw hurt in Christopher's eyes—it all mixed with the memory of Zade, of how he had looked in those last moments. I buried my face in my hands, trying to block it all out, trying to find some sense of calm.

The door opened suddenly, and I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. My father stood there, his presence filling the room. Tall and imposing, his golden wings folded neatly behind him, his face a mask of stern authority. His eyes, cold and piercing, locked onto mine, and I felt a familiar chill run down my spine. He stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him, the sound echoing in the quiet office.

"Star," he said, his voice low and controlled. "The director told me you needed to see me. That it was urgent."

I nodded, standing up on shaky legs. "Father," I began, my voice trembling. "They... they were talking about Zade. In history class. Rou and Christopher. They were saying things- things about Zade and Rou's love. That it was... that it was something to be celebrated, something that defied the Codex. They were acting like Zade was some kind of hero."

My father's face hardened, his jaw tightening. He crossed the room in two long strides, coming to stand before me. His hand reached out, gripping my shoulder firmly, his eyes boring into mine. "And what did you say to them?" he asked sharply.

"I told them they had no right," I said, my voice shaking. "I told them Zade's death was because of their foolishness, their selfishness. I said Christopher was never Zade's friend and that Rou was a fool for believing in forbidden love."

My father's grip tightened, a small nod of approval in his eyes. "Good," he said quietly. "You did well, Star. You spoke the truth. The truth that must be upheld at all costs. Love between angels and devils is a dangerous thing. It leads only to destruction and pain. Zade's fate is a testament to that."

I felt a flicker of relief at his approval, a small comfort in the storm of emotions that raged inside me. "But, Father," I said hesitantly, "Christopher is Rou's brother. And he... he was saying that Zade was his friend. He was defending Rou, saying that their love was real, that it was worth the risk."

My father's eyes darkened, a shadow crossing his face. "Christopher is a devil," he said sharply. "He is the enemy, Star. He will say anything to manipulate you, to make you doubt your own beliefs. He is using Rou's story to twist the truth, to make you question the Codex."

I shook my head, confusion clouding my thoughts. "But why would he do that? Why would he care about Zade or Rou? Why would he defend them if it wasn't true?"

"Because it serves his purpose," my father said coldly. "Devils thrive on chaos and deception. By making you doubt the Codex, by making you doubt your own family, he weakens our resolve. He wants to break you, to make you vulnerable. Do not be fooled by his lies, Star. You must remain strong."

"But I feel so lost, Father," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don't know what to believe anymore. I thought I could be the perfect daughter, the perfect angel, but everything is falling apart. I feel like I'm losing myself."

My father's expression softened slightly, his hand moving from my shoulder to cup my cheek. "You are not lost, Star," he said firmly. "You are my daughter. You are strong, and you will do what is right. I coudn't protect your brother, but I won't lose you. You will uphold the Codex."

I looked into his eyes, searching for reassurance, for the certainty that had always been there. But all I saw was his determination, his unwavering belief in the Codex. A belief that had led to Zade's death, that now demanded I turn my back on my own heart.

"I understand," I said quietly, lowering my eyes. "I will do what is right, Father."

"Star," he said, his voice like steel. "I'm pround. Continue to distance yourself from Christopher. Do not let his words poison your mind. You are stronger than that. Remember who you are, Star. Remember what is at stake." For the first time, since I remeber, he smiled at me. 

He released my cheek, turning to leave. I watched him go, the door closing softly behind him, the finality of the sound echoing in my heart. I stood alone in the office, the silence pressing in around me. My father's words rang in my ears, a mantra of duty and honor. But underneath, beneath the layers of control and obedience, there was a flicker of doubt, a whisper of a question I couldn't ignore.