Chapter 26: Shattered Composure

(Celeste's POV)

The moment Sapphire turned and walked away, Celeste knew she had won—at least a little.

She had seen it in Sapphire's eyes, the way she wavered, the way her mask cracked for just a second. Sapphire Langford was losing control.

And Celeste loved it.

Not just because she enjoyed pushing Sapphire's buttons—though she certainly did—but because, deep down, she knew Sapphire wasn't as unshakable as she pretended to be. Beneath the flawless exterior, beneath the calculated charm, there was something raw and real, something desperate to be acknowledged.

And Celeste wanted to be the one to drag it out of her.

With a smirk, she pushed off the column and walked back toward the ballroom, her mind buzzing with possibilities.

Sapphire is slipping. And I'm going to be there when she falls.

---

The next morning, the academy was abuzz with whispers.

Celeste caught bits and pieces of conversation as she made her way through the halls.

"Did you hear? Sapphire left the party early last night."

"She turned down Daniel Raines. Daniel Raines!"

"She was acting weird the whole night."

Celeste hid her amusement as she reached her locker, taking her time to swap out her books.

Ivy, Sapphire's ever-loyal friend, appeared beside her, arms crossed and a glare in place. "What did you do?"

Celeste blinked, feigning innocence. "Good morning to you too, Ivy."

Ivy's glare didn't waver. "Don't play dumb. Sapphire was off last night, and I know it has something to do with you."

Celeste smirked. "Maybe she's just finally realizing she's not as untouchable as she thinks."

Ivy's jaw tightened. "You're playing a dangerous game, Celeste."

Celeste leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "And what if I am?"

Ivy's eyes darkened. "Sapphire's strong. Whatever you're trying to do, it won't work."

Celeste chuckled. "We'll see."

She shut her locker and walked away, leaving Ivy seething.

---

Later that afternoon, Celeste found herself sitting on the rooftop, a cigarette dangling from her fingers. She wasn't supposed to smoke on school grounds, but then again, she wasn't supposed to do a lot of things.

Footsteps approached, and she didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"I thought you didn't like heights," she said casually.

Sapphire exhaled sharply. "I don't."

Celeste finally glanced at her. Sapphire stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her usual poise intact—but there was tension in her shoulders, a stiffness that betrayed her inner turmoil.

Celeste smirked. "And yet, here you are."

Sapphire's eyes narrowed. "We need to talk."

Celeste flicked the ash from her cigarette. "Do we?"

Sapphire took a step closer. "You're playing mind games with me, and I don't appreciate it."

Celeste chuckled, tapping the cigarette against her lips. "Is that what you think?"

Sapphire's gaze hardened. "Stay out of my head, Celeste."

Celeste leaned back, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. "That's the problem, isn't it? I'm already in there."

Sapphire's breath hitched—just barely, but Celeste caught it.

She set the cigarette aside and stood, closing the distance between them in a few measured steps. "Tell me," she murmured, "why are you really here, Sapphire?"

Sapphire's hands clenched at her sides. "I told you. I want you to stop."

Celeste tilted her head, studying her. "If that's true, then why didn't you stop me last night?"

Sapphire's lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Celeste smirked. "You're fighting a war with yourself, princess. And I think we both know which side is winning."

Sapphire's eyes darkened, but Celeste saw the hesitation lurking beneath her fury.

She was right—Sapphire was struggling, questioning.

And Celeste intended to push her until she snapped.

Sapphire took a step back. "This conversation is over."

Celeste smiled. "For now."

Sapphire turned and walked away, her composure intact, but Celeste didn't miss the way her fingers trembled as she gripped the rooftop door handle.

Celeste exhaled slowly, watching her go.

She's slipping.

And Celeste was going to be there when she fell.

---

Sapphire's hands were shaking.

She didn't stop moving until she reached the girls' bathroom, locking herself inside one of the stalls and pressing her back against the cold door.

Her breath came in short, uneven bursts. Her chest felt too tight, her head too loud.

Celeste had been right.

That was the worst part.

She was at war with herself, and she was losing.

For years, she had crafted her image with precision—elegance, control, perfection. Sapphire Langford was untouchable. She wasn't distracted by silly emotions. She didn't waver. She didn't lose.

So why did Celeste make her feel like she was slipping on ice, unable to find her footing?

Why did a single glance from her make her pulse quicken?

Why did her words—her touch—linger?

Sapphire squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling sharply through her nose. This isn't happening. I am in control.

She forced herself to steady her breathing, to suppress the chaos threatening to consume her.

A few minutes later, she stepped out of the stall, fixing her posture as she faced the mirror.

Her reflection stared back at her, every strand of hair in place, her uniform immaculate. To anyone else, she looked flawless.

But she knew better.

She turned on the faucet, letting the cold water run over her wrists, grounding herself.

A new plan was forming in her mind.

If Celeste wanted to play games, then Sapphire would show her just how dangerous that was.

Celeste thought she had the upper hand.

She was wrong.

Sapphire Langford never lost.

---

By the time she returned to the halls, her expression was unreadable, her composure back in place.

She spotted Ivy near the lockers, deep in conversation with a few other students. Sapphire didn't slow down, but as she passed, she spoke just loud enough for Ivy to hear.

"Meet me in the library."

Ivy barely hesitated before excusing herself and following.

Minutes later, they were seated in a quiet corner of the library, the scent of old books filling the air.

Ivy studied her carefully. "You're up to something."

Sapphire didn't respond immediately. She flipped through the pages of a book she wasn't actually reading, letting the silence stretch.

Finally, she spoke. "Celeste thinks she can play with me."

Ivy tensed. "You're still letting her get to you."

Sapphire's grip on the book tightened. "I'm going to remind her exactly who she's dealing with."

Ivy sighed, rubbing her temples. "Sapphire, this isn't a competition."

Sapphire's gaze darkened. "Everything is a competition."

Ivy hesitated, then leaned forward. "What exactly are you planning?"

Sapphire closed the book with a quiet thud. "Celeste wants to push me? Fine. Let's see how she handles it when I push back."

---

That evening, Sapphire's plan began.

She had invited Daniel Raines for a private study session in the student council room, making sure word got around.

By the time she arrived, the rumors had already spread—Sapphire Langford was giving Daniel another chance.

Perfect.

Daniel was already waiting, his usual confident smirk in place. "Didn't think I'd get another shot."

Sapphire offered him a coy smile as she slid into the seat across from him. "I changed my mind."

She wasn't here for Daniel.

She was here for her.

She knew Celeste would hear about this. She wanted her to.

She leaned in slightly, letting her fingers trail absentmindedly over the edge of her book. She made sure her laughter was just a little softer, her voice just a little more teasing.

She could play this game too.

And she would win.

---

Celeste wasn't the type to react publicly.

But Sapphire knew her well enough to expect a response.

And she got one.

The next morning, Celeste didn't approach her. She didn't throw out any taunts, any smug comments.

No, Celeste was much more strategic than that.

She showed up at school with a girl on her arm.

Not just any girl—Rebecca Sinclair, a senior with a reputation for breaking hearts.

And Celeste made sure Sapphire saw them together.

They passed by in the courtyard, Rebecca laughing at something Celeste whispered in her ear, her fingers lightly tracing circles on Celeste's wrist.

It was so obviously staged. So clearly a counterattack.

And Sapphire hated that it worked.

For the first time in years, she felt something foreign grip her chest.

Jealousy.

Her nails dug into her palm.

This wasn't over.

Not even close.