Chapter 25: Losing Control

(Sapphire's POV)

The moment Sapphire stepped back into the ballroom, she felt like she was suffocating. The golden chandeliers overhead cast a warm glow, the laughter and chatter filled every corner of the grand hall, but all she could hear was the pounding of her heart.

Ivy's hand was firm around her wrist, guiding her through the crowd. "Sapphire, talk to me," she urged, voice laced with concern.

"I told you, I'm fine," Sapphire said, her tone sharper than intended.

Ivy flinched but didn't let go. "No, you're not."

Sapphire clenched her jaw, eyes scanning the room, desperate for something—anything—to distract from the chaos swirling inside her.

Celeste's words echoed in her mind. "Maybe it's you."

No. She wouldn't allow herself to spiral. Not here. Not now.

She pulled away from Ivy's grasp, straightening her posture. She was Sapphire Langford, the untouchable queen of the academy. She didn't break. She didn't lose control.

Forcing a smile, she turned to Ivy. "I appreciate your concern, but I need some air. Alone."

Ivy hesitated, her eyes searching Sapphire's for something—reassurance, maybe. But Sapphire was too good at masking her emotions. After a beat, Ivy exhaled and nodded. "Okay. But if you need me…"

Sapphire gave a curt nod before slipping away, navigating through the sea of admiring glances and whispered envy.

She needed a distraction.

And then she saw him—Daniel Raines, the student council vice president. He was handsome, composed, and, most importantly, interested in her.

Perfect.

She approached with effortless grace, her signature smirk in place. "Daniel," she purred.

His head snapped up, surprise flickering in his brown eyes before he smiled. "Sapphire. To what do I owe this honor?"

Sapphire tilted her head, letting her fingers trail lightly along the edge of her champagne glass. "Dance with me."

It wasn't a request.

Daniel blinked but quickly recovered, offering his hand. "Of course."

They moved onto the dance floor, and as the music swelled, Sapphire forced herself to focus on the rhythm, on the feel of Daniel's hands on her waist, on the way his breath ghosted against her skin as they moved in sync.

And yet… she felt nothing.

No excitement. No thrill.

All she could think about was a different touch. A different voice.

"Maybe it's you."

Her grip tightened involuntarily, and Daniel winced. "Sapphire?"

She snapped back to reality, realizing she had been digging her nails into his shoulder. Quickly, she masked her distraction with a charming smile. "Sorry. Got lost in thought."

He chuckled, oblivious. "I can't say I mind."

Sapphire laughed lightly, but it felt forced.

And then, across the room, she saw her.

Celeste.

Standing near the balcony doors, arms crossed, watching.

Sapphire's stomach twisted.

Why is she still watching me?

Frustration boiled beneath her skin. She hated this—hated how Celeste had gotten into her head, how she was making her question things she had never dared to question before.

No. She refused to let Celeste win this mind game.

So, without hesitation, she pulled Daniel closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "Meet me in the gardens after this."

Daniel stiffened, eyes widening slightly, but he nodded, clearly eager. "I'll be there."

It was reckless. It was petty.

But if Celeste wanted to play games, then Sapphire would show her she wasn't affected.

Even if it was a lie.

---

The garden was bathed in moonlight, casting long shadows over the neatly trimmed hedges. Sapphire leaned against the stone railing, arms crossed as she waited. The cool air did little to settle the storm raging inside her.

She heard footsteps approaching, and soon enough, Daniel appeared, a cocky grin on his lips. "I wasn't sure if you were serious."

Sapphire smirked. "I don't say things I don't mean."

Daniel stepped closer, reaching for her waist. "Then I suppose I should consider myself lucky."

But the moment his hands touched her, something felt wrong.

His touch didn't set her on edge in the way Celeste's did. There was no spark, no fire—just emptiness.

Her chest tightened.

Why was she even doing this?

Daniel leaned in, his lips inches from hers, but before he could close the distance, Sapphire turned her head, his lips grazing her cheek instead.

He pulled back slightly, confused. "Sapphire?"

She exhaled slowly, stepping out of his hold. "I… changed my mind."

Daniel blinked, then gave a small chuckle. "Playing hard to get?"

She frowned. "No. I just… I need to go."

She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, another voice cut through the night.

"Well, well. That was anticlimactic."

Sapphire froze.

No. Not now.

Slowly, she turned to see Celeste leaning against a nearby column, arms crossed, amusement dancing in her dark eyes.

Daniel looked between them, clearly sensing something was off. "Uh… I should probably go."

Smart move.

Once he was gone, Celeste took a step forward, tilting her head. "Was that supposed to prove something?"

Sapphire scowled. "Why are you even here?"

Celeste smirked. "Because watching you try to convince yourself that you want someone like Daniel is painfully entertaining."

Sapphire clenched her fists. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Celeste took another step, and suddenly, the space between them felt far too small. "Don't I?"

Sapphire's breath hitched.

This was dangerous.

Celeste reached up, her fingers lightly brushing a stray lock of Sapphire's hair behind her ear. The touch sent a shiver down her spine.

"I think," Celeste murmured, her voice a seductive whisper, "you're running from something you don't want to admit."

Sapphire's heart pounded against her ribs. "You're wrong," she whispered, but even she didn't believe the words.

Celeste's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Am I?"

For a moment, Sapphire couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

Then, without thinking, she turned and walked away.

Because if she stayed, she wasn't sure what she would do.

And that terrified her.