Chapter 33: Lines That Shouldn’t Be Crossed
The touch was barely there.
Sapphire's fingers, light and uncertain, brushed against Celeste's wrist—a silent plea, a hesitation that spoke louder than words.
Celeste should have pulled away.
She should have reminded Sapphire that she wasn't here to be played with, that she wasn't going to be someone's almost—not again, not after everything.
But she didn't.
Because despite everything, despite the frustration, the fights, the back-and-forth that had left her feeling like she was constantly chasing something just out of reach—
She still wanted her.
Celeste exhaled sharply, her fingers twitching as if deciding whether to grasp onto Sapphire or let her go. "What do you want from me?"
Sapphire didn't answer right away.
She looked wrecked—not in the way Celeste was used to seeing her. Not polished, not composed, not the untouchable queen of the academy.
Just Sapphire.
Conflicted. Afraid.
"I don't know," she finally admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Celeste let out a humorless laugh. "You never know, do you?"
Sapphire flinched.
Celeste took a step back, finally breaking the contact. The cold rushed in instantly, a stark contrast to the lingering warmth of Sapphire's touch.
"That's the problem," Celeste said, voice quieter now. "I can't be the only one who's sure about this."
Sapphire's lips parted, as if she had something to say—something real, something raw—but no words came.
And Celeste was so tired of waiting.
She shook her head. "I can't keep doing this, Sapphire."
Sapphire's expression wavered for a second. "So that's it?"
Celeste exhaled, her frustration seeping into her voice. "You tell me."
Another long silence.
Then, finally—
Sapphire straightened. Mask slipping back into place.
"I guess I just did."
Celeste's stomach twisted.
And just like that, whatever thread had been holding them together—snapped.
Sapphire turned and walked away first.
This time, Celeste didn't follow.
---
The Aftermath
It didn't take long for the academy to notice the shift between them.
People had always speculated about Sapphire and Celeste, whispering about the tension, the way they circled each other like two forces on a collision course.
But now?
Now, there was nothing.
No stolen glances. No teasing remarks. No fire burning between them.
And somehow, that silence was louder than anything else.
Sapphire went back to being untouchable.
Celeste went back to pretending she didn't care.
Neither of them admitted how much it was killing them.
---
A Night That Changes Everything
It was a week later when the academy hosted its annual Winter Masquerade Gala.
A night of elegance, of politics hidden beneath silken masks and champagne glasses.
A night where everyone played pretend.
Celeste had planned on skipping.
She hated these events—the forced smiles, the suffocating expectations, the way everything felt so polished and empty.
But then she heard Sapphire would be attending.
And suddenly, she was there.
The grand ballroom was breathtaking. Gilded chandeliers cast golden light across the marble floors, and masked figures twirled in a hypnotic dance. Music swelled, laughter echoed, and the air smelled of roses and expensive wine.
Celeste had no interest in any of it.
Her only focus was her.
Sapphire stood near the grand staircase, wrapped in a deep crimson gown that hugged her figure like a second skin. A delicate mask covered her eyes, but Celeste would recognize her anywhere.
She wasn't alone.
Some elite heir—Daniel Raines—stood beside her, speaking into her ear, his hand lingering a little too long on her waist.
Celeste clenched her jaw.
She had no right to be angry.
No right to feel this way.
But it didn't stop her from walking straight toward them.
Sapphire saw her approaching, her posture stiffening slightly.
Celeste smirked. "Enjoying yourself?"
Sapphire lifted her chin, eyes cool behind the mask. "As much as one can."
Daniel chuckled. "Celeste. Didn't expect to see you here."
Celeste barely spared him a glance. "Didn't expect to be here."
Sapphire exhaled sharply. "Then why are you?"
Celeste tilted her head. "Why do you think?"
A charged silence.
For a moment, the world around them faded.
Then, Daniel—oblivious or perhaps just foolish—placed a hand on Sapphire's lower back.
Something inside Celeste snapped.
She didn't think.
Didn't hesitate.
She grabbed Sapphire's wrist and pulled her away, ignoring Daniel's startled protest, ignoring the way Sapphire tensed in surprise.
She led her out onto the balcony, the cold night air biting against their skin.
And only then—only when they were alone—did she finally let go.
Sapphire turned to her, eyes blazing. "What the hell was that?"
Celeste exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "You tell me."
Sapphire scoffed. "You're the one who dragged me out here like—"
"Like I couldn't stand watching you pretend with him?" Celeste cut her off, voice sharp.
Sapphire faltered.
Celeste took a slow step forward. "Are you going to tell me it didn't mean anything?"
Sapphire's breath hitched. "It didn't."
Celeste studied her for a long moment.
Then, voice quieter, deadlier—
"Liar."
Sapphire's hands clenched at her sides. "You don't get to call me that."
Celeste took another step. "Then stop lying to yourself."
Sapphire swallowed hard. "Celeste—"
Celeste's voice was barely above a whisper now. "Say you don't want this."
Sapphire's lips parted, but no words came.
Celeste's eyes darkened. "Say it, and I'll walk away."
Silence.
And then—
Sapphire did something unexpected.
She reached out.
Grasped Celeste's collar.
And pulled her in.
Celeste barely had time to react before Sapphire's lips crashed against hers—desperate, unguarded, burning with everything they had tried so hard to deny.
The world fell away.
There was no more hesitation. No more doubt.
Just fire.
And this time, neither of them pulled away.
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