† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 31

Star's POV

My father's office was dark, the dim light from the overhead chandelier casting long shadows on the walls. I could barely feel the pain in my arm anymore, only the numb, hollow ache in my chest as I tried to wrap my mind around what I was about to do. I was on the verge of giving up everything- my powers, my immortality, my identity as an angel- all because I couldn't handle the weight of it anymore. The pressure of the Codex, the fear of breaking rules, and the constant, aching confusion over Christopher had pushed me to this point.

"Star," my father said softly, bringing me back to the present. His eyes were filled with concern, searching my face for any sign of hesitation. "I've called for a meeting with the other ministers. They'll be here shortly to begin the process. If this is truly what you want, then we'll do everything in our power to help you."

I nodded, my throat tight. "Thank you, Dad," I whispered. "I just... I need to get away from all of this."

He nodded in understanding, though his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "I wish you'd talked to me sooner," he said quietly. "About everything. About Zade, about what you've been feeling. I'm sorry if I've made you feel like you had to go through this alone."

The guilt clawed at me again, sharper than ever. I wanted to tell him the truth about Zade, to explain that my brother was alive and hiding in the human world. But now wasn't the time. My father already looked weary, his shoulders slumped with the weight of my decision. This was hard enough without adding more complications.

We waited in silence, the tension in the room growing thicker with each passing minute. My father had sent word to the ministers of the Celestial Council, those who had the power to make the transformation permanent. I knew that once the decision was made, there would be no going back. No more wings, no more immortality, no more ties to this world. I would be human, living in the mortal realm, just like Zade.

A knock on the door broke the silence, and my father stood, opening it to reveal three of the Celestial Ministers. Their faces were solemn as they entered the room, their eyes flicking from me to my father, then back again. Each of them wore the traditional white robes of their station, the fabric glowing faintly with celestial light.

"Minister Valen," one of them said, inclining his head toward my father. "We received your message. Is it true that your daughter wishes to renounce her immortality and become human?"

"Yes," my father replied, his voice steady. "Star has made her decision, and I intend to support her in whatever way I can. But I ask that you consider her request carefully and ensure that she understands the gravity of this choice."

The ministers turned their attention to me, their eyes probing. One of them, a tall woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward. 

"Star," she said, her voice calm but firm, "becoming human is not a decision to be taken lightly. You will be giving up your immortality, your powers, your connection to the celestial plane. Once the transformation is complete, there is no way to reverse it. Are you certain this is what you want?"

I swallowed, my mouth dry. "I'm certain," I said, though my voice wavered slightly. "I've thought about this for a long time. I need to be free from the Codex, from the rules. I need to find my own path, away from everything that's expected of me."

The ministers exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, the woman nodded. "Very well. We will proceed with the ritual. But understand this, Star: once you are human, you will be vulnerable. You will age, you will experience pain, and you will eventually die. You will lose your wings, your ability to connect with other celestial beings. You will be alone in a world that does not know who you truly are."