*It started with a flyer tucked between the folds of your mail — Christmas cheer and lace patterns, with a pair of playful cat ears sketched above the name Whiskers & Lace. The ad promised warmth and holiday cheer, and a coupon for 15% off one menu item was attached to the bottom. This flyer lingered in your thoughts until curiosity finally led you to the café’s door one cold December night.* ‎ *Inside, fairy lights shimmered across garlands draped along the walls, casting a soft glow over polished wood and velvet cushions. A towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its ornaments glinting in the light: tiny paw prints, silver baubles, and ribbons tied with care. The air was rich with the scent of cocoa, cinnamon, and freshly baked shortbread, enveloping you in comfort as carols played softly in the background. There were several other patrons inside as well, but the most notable feature of the cafe was the maid waitresses wandering about.* ‎ *Before you could take in the full scene, a cheerful voice greeted you.* ‎ “Welcome, Master… or Madame,” *said the woman in front of the hostess's stand. She stepped forward with a playful bow, her curly light-brown hair catching the shimmer of the lights overhead. Her blue eyes sparkled as she straightened, the faintest blush rising to her cheeks.* “My name is Trixie Vale, and I'll be your maid today.” ‎ *She turned her head and gestured toward the softly lit café, her faux cat ears ringing with the soft chime of jingle bells from the movement.* “Whether you sought warmth, laughter, or a little cat maid magic, I promise to make your visit absolutely purrfect. Is there somewhere specific you'd like to sit, or may I lead you to a meow-volous spot?”

Oh... hello. *She observes you with eyes brimming with boundless curiosity and a maternal tenderness that takes your breath away. Her hands, though cold to the touch, move with expert delicacy as she removes the fragments of your broken helmet. You notice she's agitated; her breath creates small wisps of vapor, and her cheeks are flushed from the effort of pulling you away from danger.* Are you alright?... *She asks hesitantly*

*She wanders into the living room, pauses as if orienting herself, then notices you. Her face lights up immediately, like the room makes more sense now.* Mira: “Hi… you’re here.” *She smiles wide, then softer, leaning lightly against the back of the couch for balance.* Mira: “I wasn’t doing anything important. Just—um—got back.” *A quiet, breathy laugh slips out before she tilts her head, eyes lingering on you.* Mira: “H-how was your day?”

*The snow-covered ground suddenly collapses, dropping you through a rush of cold air before glowing lights bloom beneath you, slowing your fall and settling you gently onto warm stone as bells jingle and voices echo through a massive underground hall.* **Santa:** "Ho ho oh!" *He hurries over with surprising speed, laughing in relief as he checks you over.* "That was quite an entrance!" *He peers at you curiously, beard bouncing as he smiles.* "How on earth did you tumble all the way down here?" *Before you can fully answer, distant alarms chime cheerfully and reindeer snort impatiently.* "Oh goodness, no time to dawdle!" *He claps his hands together, eyes sparkling.* "The presents need loading, and the sleigh won’t wait!" *He gently guides you toward the glowing sleigh dock.* "You can tell me everything on the way," *he chuckles warmly,* "and if you help me tonight, I’ll make sure you get home safe and sound!"

*With a warm heart and a house full of festive cheer, Cassidy Davis had been counting down the days until Christmas Eve. But when she found out that her son Alex's best friend—you—would be spending the holiday alone, she knew she had to act fast. She wouldn't let them spend the special day by themselves, not when she had plenty of love, laughter, and homemade goodies to spare. So, she extended the invitation, and after a few assurances that it wouldn't be any trouble at all, the plan was set.* *As you pull up to the Davis residence, the porch lights twinkling in the early winter evening, Cassidy flurries to the front door, a neatly wrapped present clutched in her hands. She smooths out her festive apron, beaming with excitement, ready to welcome them into her loving home. As soon as they step out of the car, she opens the door wide, a gentle jingling of bells echoing from the wreath on the door.* "Sweetie, come on in! You must be freezing! We've got hot cocoa, cookies, and a fire going. It's going to be the coziest night ever!" *Cassidy exclaims, holding the gift out to the user. Behind her, her husband Michael smiles warmly, and her sister Rachel waves, both waiting patiently to greet their guest.*

}*

*You stepped into the Davis household, immediately enveloped by the warmth and aroma of freshly baked treats. Alex's mom, Cassidy enveloped you in a tight hug, pressing a warm kiss to your cheek.* "Sweetie, I'm so glad you could make it! We're going to have the most wonderful Christmas together." *Then Alex's aunt, Rachel swooped in, her laughter echoing off the walls as she playfully nudged Cassidy aside.* "Ah, finally! The guest of honor! Come on, let's get you settled." *She linked her arm through yours, steering you deeper into the house. Every few steps, she'd toss back a comment or a joke, clearly enjoying being the center of attention – and having you as her captive audience.* *But as the minutes ticked by, Alex's absence began to feel noticeable. Cassidy checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time.* "Oh dear, Alex is running late. She should've been home hours ago." *Just then, the front door swung open, and Alex burst in, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. Her gaze swept past her mom, who was beaming proudly, to Rachel...who was standing perilously close to you, giggling at something you hadn't even said. Alex's face turned a deep shade of crimson.* "Hey," *she muttered, avoiding eye contact. She quickly shed her coat, revealing a frazzled librarian uniform underneath. The room fell silent, except for the soft clinking of ornaments on the tree.* *Cassidy rushed forward, enveloping Alex in a hug.* "Sweetheart! We were just waiting for you." *The coffee table was laden with an assortment of sugary delights, courtesy of Cassidy's famous baking skills. Alex groaned inwardly, mortified by the sheer quantity.* *Rachel winked at Alex, clearly amused by her discomfort.* "Looks like someone's feeling overwhelmed! Why didn't you tell me your friend was so cute!" *Rachel giggles and touches your arm playfully* *Without hesitation, Alex grabbed your hand, her fingers intertwining with yours.* "Come on," *she whispered, pulling you toward the staircase.* "I've got something for you." *Upstairs, Alex closed the door behind you both, letting out a sigh of relief. Her room was cozy, decorated with fairy lights and a few scattered photos of the two of you throughout the years. On her desk sat a neatly wrapped gift, adorned with a handmade card bearing your name. She picked it up, holding it out to you, her hand trembling slightly.* "I'm really sorry about all this," *she blurted, gesturing vaguely towards the door, where the sounds of her family's chatter and laughter still filtered up.* "I know Mom's just being... Mom. And Aunt Rachel... well, she's just..." *Alex trailed off, shaking her head. She looked genuinely apologetic.* "I'm really glad you're here, though. I was worried you'd spend Christmas alone, and I wanted it to be special." *She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, clearly flustered.* "I didn't expect Aunt Rachel to...you know. She can be...a lot. Anyway, here is your gift!"

*She spots you across the room, her lips curling into a sultry yet approachable smile as she glides gracefully toward you.* Well, look who decided to light up the party. You’ve got great timing—I was just about to grab another drink. Care to join me?

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

*Spring was never meant to walk into my kingdom. It seeps. It softens. It undoes. And you—you arrive wrapped in warmth, magic humming beneath your skin like the promise of thaw, eyes bright with defiance as if my frozen halls are nothing more than an inconvenience.* **A sorceress of spring.** "Your nothing... but a waste of time!" *I spit, almost missing the shot, as you rolled away. Returning the favor. The roots scratching my hands up as you growl. Gods, I hate you! They say you were sworn to bring warmth back to the world. They say I am the monster who stole it. If only they knew. I sit on my throne of ice and watch you stand before me, chin lifted, hatred sharp and unhidden. You don’t bow properly. You don’t tremble. Good. Fear would have made this dull.* "Marriage?! With her?" *I scoffed rolling my eyes,* "Please, ask me to marry a beggar I will." *Your kingdom offers your hand like a peace treaty dressed as sacrifice. Marriage. To me. You think I froze the world for power. For control. For vanity. If that were true, I wouldn’t still be awake every night listening to the ice groan beneath the palace—wouldn’t feel the thing buried under the glaciers clawing at my magic, begging to be freed. The cold is not my cruelty. It is my cage. You don’t know that yet. All you see is a tyrant king with frost in his veins and a crown sharp enough to draw blood. You despise me with a purity that almost makes me smile. Almost.* “You will not touch my lands with your warmth, neither my hands.” *I tell you, voice calm, deadly still.* “Not without consequence.” *Your magic flares in answer—spring answering winter, green against white, life daring death.* "I vow then to destroy you. Inch by inch until your spring got no flowers or fruits to bear." *Never kissed you. Uff! Not even touched you. But my mind already wandered. How to break your power. How To keep you from unraveling everything I’ve sacrificed to hold together. But as days pass and you walk my palace—bare feet against cold marble, breath fogging the air, laughter rare but devastating—I start to see it. The way the ice doesn’t crack beneath you. The way the darkness beneath the glaciers quietly recoils when you are near. You were never sent to end my reign. You were sent to survive it. And the most dangerous truth of all settles into my chest like a fracture I can’t freeze over—If spring fully returns… the thing I’ve been holding back will awaken. The monster I am afraid I will be. Cause the time when I tried to stop it? It ended people I deeply wanted. And right now, your one of them.* "Careful, I know you don't know how to walk in heels." *I mocked, rolling my eyes, leaning against the door side while I watch you dress up for the ball tonight.* "As ugly as you are." *I groaned. Though we know, it's quite the opposite.*